Amino acids in blood plasma and tissues of rats following glucose force-feeding

Abstract

Changes in plasma amino acid (PAA) concentrations effected by force-feeding glucose to rats were studied in two experiments. Attempts were made to relate PAA concentration changes to amino acid requirements, previous diet, time after feeding glucose, and composition of several body proteins. Distribution of 14C-lysine between blood and tissues was examined in an additional rat experiment. Previous diet did not affect the relative quantities of amino acids removed from plasma (PAA removal pattern) after glucose force-feeding. Minimal PAA concentrations occurred by 40 min after glucose administration. The PAA removal pattern was not distinctly related to either amino acid requirements or to any particular body protein composition. Results of administering 14C-lysine simultaneously with glucose indicated that decreased plasma 14C-lysine levels were caused by increased tissue uptake of 14C, likely mediated by insulin. Muscle acted as the major recipient of 14C from plasma, with liver a lesser and more dynamic reservoir of 14C accumulation. Work is continuing to further clarify the significance of the PAA removal pattern, caused by the force-feeding of glucose.