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Isolation and Primary Culture of Rat Hepatic Cells
Published on: June 29, 2012
Threonine metabolism in isolated rat hepatocytes
J D House1, B N Hall, J T Brosnan
1Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, Canada.
American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 10, 2001
Summary
The majority of threonine oxidation in rat hepatocytes occurs via the threonine dehydratase pathway, not the glycine cleavage system. Glucagon enhances both threonine oxidation and uptake.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Metabolic Pathways
Background:
- Threonine catabolism involves multiple pathways, including those leading to CO(2) production.
- Understanding the predominant route of threonine oxidation is crucial for metabolic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the primary pathway of threonine oxidation in rat hepatocytes.
- To investigate the effects of specific inhibitors and hormones on threonine metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of rat hepatocytes with L-[1-(14)C]threonine.
- Measurement of (14)CO(2) production.
- Utilizing inhibitors of the glycine cleavage system (cysteamine) and mitochondrial alpha-keto acid uptake (alpha-cyanocinnamate).
Main Results:
- Cysteamine reduced threonine oxidation by 65%, while alpha-cyanocinnamate reduced it by 35%.
- These results indicate that approximately 65% of threonine oxidation proceeds via the glycine-independent threonine dehydratase pathway.
- Glucagon treatment increased both threonine oxidation and cellular uptake.
Conclusions:
- The threonine dehydratase pathway is the major route for threonine oxidation in rat hepatocytes.
- Glucagon significantly influences threonine metabolism by enhancing oxidation and transport.
