An investigation of fructose utilization inAcanthocheilonema viteae

Abstract

SUMMARYThe capacity ofAcanthocheilonema viteaeto metabolize fructose was investigatedin vitro. In common with other filarial speciesA. viteaeoxidized fructose to lactate but its rate of consumption was only 40% of the glucose-containing control value. Fructose was not incorporated into glycogen. Release of14CO2from [U-14C]fructose was not detected in the presence of glucose and was about 40% of the glucose-containing value under conditions where fructose was the sole hexose substrate. Fructose consumption and lactate excretion increased in proportion to the external concentration of fructose. However, worm viability was not maintained in fructose over a 120 hin vitroincubation. In the presence of fructose, protein synthesis (measured incorporation of [35S]methionine into acid-insoluble material) was reduced compared to the glucose-containing control group; but was significantly greater than the value obtained under glucose-free conditions.