A Method for Studying the Uptake of Creatine by a Perfused Hind Limb Preparation

Abstract

This study describes a surgical and perfusion technique for the in situ maintenance of viability of the hind limbs and tail of the rat. This preparation was used to study the uptake of exogenous creatine from blood perfusate utilizing a tracer technique involving creatine-1-14C hydrate. Under these conditions maximum creatine is taken up in the first 30 min period and continually but decreasingly taken up during 2 h. Although creatine was taken up by the perfused muscle no creatinine appeared in the perfusate above the basal level during the period of perfusion.