Experimental studies on the metabolic effects of branched chain amino acids
Hagenfeldt, L.; Wahren, J.
Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica. Supplementum 498: 88-92
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1860 PMID: 6776744 Document Number: 163527
In healthy subjects and in patients with liver cirrhosis infusion of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA:leucine, isoleucine and valine) decreased the plasma concentrations of the aromatic amino acids (AAA:tyrosine and phenylalanine) and methionine; leucine was much more effective than isoleucine and valine in this respect. The effect of BCAA on the concentrations of other amino acids was not caused by decrease of muscle release, increase of splanchnic uptake or of renal excretion, but seemed rather to involve a general redistribution of amino acids into body cells. Cirrhotic patients showed an increased uptake of AAA in brain. It is concluded that infusion of BCAA interferes with cerebral amino acid metabolism in cirrhotic patients by blocking brain uptake of AAA and methionine.