Relation between the increase in activity of some hydrolases and genomic activation during regeneration.

One of the most important biochemical aspects of regeneration, in the early stages, after amputation, is the increase in acid hydrolase activities. During regeneration, 24h after amputation of the anterior part of the body of the polychaeteOwenia fusiformis, we have observed the following events: 1. The increase of³H-Uridine incorporation in microsomal and nuclear fractions. 2. After one hour's labelling the major part of the radioactivity is localized on polysomal structures. 3. By use of specific drugs (cycloheximide and actinomycin D at various concentrations) we have attempted demonstrating the relation between the activation of synthesis of RNAs (probably mRNA) and the new synthesis of acid hydrolase molecules.