Direct detection and evaluation of conversion of D-methionine into L-methionine in rats by stable isotope methodology

The stereoselective kinetics of methionine enantiomers in rats was investigated to evaluate the fraction that converted from d-methionine to the L-enantiomer using a stable isotope methodology. After bolus i.v. administration of D- or L-[(2)H(3)]methionine, their plasma concentrations and that of endogenous L-methionine were determined by a stereoselective GC-MS method. L-[(2)H(3)]Methionine appeared rapidly after administration of D-[(2)H(3)]methionine, whereas D-[(2)H(3)]methionine was not detected after administration of L-[(2)H(3)]methionine. The fraction of conversion of D-[(2)H(3)]methionine into L-[(2)H(3)]methionine was estimated using the area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve of L-[(2)H(3)]methionine on D-[(2)H(3)]methionine administration and total clearance of L-[(2)H(3)]methionine on L-[(2)H(3)]methionine administration, and that fraction was >90%. This result demonstrates that almost all i.v. administered D-methionine is converted into the L-enantiomer in vivo.