In vivo C14-L-alanine metabolism in rat dietary obesity induced by cafeteria diet
Gianotti, M.; Roca, P.; Pons, A.; Palou, A.
Biochemistry International 20(2): 353-361
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0158-5231 PMID: 2317216 Document Number: 361752
The in vivo handling of L-alanine in 24-h starved female Wistar rats, in which obesity was induced by feeding on a cafeteria diet, was compared with that of starved controls. 14C-Alanine was administered in trace amounts in order not to affect the normal handling of this amino acid. The results obtained in blood and liver support a lowered glucose formation from alanine. The specific radioactivities corresponding to lactate, glutamate+glutamine and asparagine as well as total protein and total lipid, were all decreased in the obese group. It is suggested that glucose formation from alanine in the liver was impaired. The specific radioactivity of the metabolites studied in the striated muscle are compatible with this suggestion. It is concluded that the glucose alanine cycle operation is inhibited in the cafeteria diet starved obese rats.