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Changes in liver and gastric mucosal hexosamine synthesis after restraint
Gastroenterology
|February 1, 1975
Summary
Cold stress and immobilization decrease L-glutamine: D-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase activity in rat stomach and liver. This enzyme alteration may affect mucus and cell membrane function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Stress Response
Background:
- Cold stress and immobilization are known physiological stressors.
- L-glutamine: D-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase is a key enzyme in hexosamine synthesis.
- Hexosamine synthesis is crucial for glycoproteins, including mucus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of immobilization stress on L-glutamine: D-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase activity.
- To explore the relationship between enzyme activity, lesion formation, and stress mediators.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of L-glutamine: D-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase activity in rat oxyntic gland mucosa and liver.
- Induction of stress through immobilization in a cold environment for varying durations.
- Assessment of lesion formation and hormonal influences (adrenalectomy, atropine sulfate).
Main Results:
- Immobilization significantly decreased enzyme activity in both stomach and liver, correlating with lesion formation.
- Enzyme activity recovered to control levels within 9-21 hours post-immobilization.
- Adrenalectomy exacerbated enzyme activity decrease, while atropine sulfate had no significant effect.
Conclusions:
- Immobilization stress alters hexosamine synthesis via a mechanism independent of acid secretion or adrenocorticoids.
- Reduced enzyme activity may lead to abnormal mucus secretion and altered cell membrane function.
- This study highlights a novel biochemical pathway affected by environmental stress.
