Abstract:
1. 1. Protein synthesis in the liver was tested in hens laying small eggs due to chronic administration of ethylene dibromide (EDB). Attention was paid to the lipophosphoproteins associated with laying processes. The rate of synthesis of phosphoproteins and phospholipids, measured by incorporation of 14C and 32P, was similar in control and EDB-treated hens. 2. 2. The clearance rate of 32P, and of globulin and albumin, did not differ from control in EDB-treated hens. 3. 3. One of the plasma lipoprotein fractions was significantly greater in the EDB-treated than in control hens, as determined by disc electrophoresis. It is possible that the high level of this protein was due to impaired transfer from the blood to the growing follicle. 4. 4. It is concluded that lipoprotein synthesis is not a factor in the detrimental effect of EDB on laying hens. © 1980.