Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Solubility of Hydrophobic Compounds in Aqueous Solution Using Combinations of Self-assembling Peptide and Amino Acid
Published on: September 20, 2017
High Branched-Chain Amino Acid Concentrations Are Found in Preterm Baboons Receiving Intravenous Amino Acid Solutions
Cynthia Blanco1, Lisa McGill-Vargas1, Cun Li2,3
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Background:
Parenteral amino acid (AA) nutrition administration after premature birth is necessary to ensure adequate growth and neurodevelopment. However, optimizing safety and efficacy remains a major challenge. This study investigated the effects of intravenous AA administration on plasma AA profiles in premature baboons and infants.
Methods:
Premature baboons were delivered by cesarean section at 125 days (67% gestation) and chronically ventilated. At 24 hours of life, a parenteral AA protocol comparable to the early and high AA regimens used in premature infants was initiated. Serial plasma AA concentrations were obtained on days of life (DOLs) 1, 3, and 7 and compared with concentrations at similar DOLs from preterm infants. Fetal baboon (165 ± 2 days; 89% gestation) and term baboon plasma AA concentrations were obtained for comparison.
Results:
Premature baboons receiving early and high parenteral AA supplementation exhibited significant differences in plasma AA concentrations compared with fetuses. In particular, concentrations of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and ornithine were elevated (fold increase: 2.14, 2.03, 1.95, and 16.5, respectively; P < 0.001) on DOL 3 vs fetuses. These alterations mimicked those found in preterm infants.
Conclusion:
Early and high AA supplementation in extremely premature baboons significantly disrupted plasma AA concentrations. Elevated concentrations of branched-chain AAs and ornithine raise concerns for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. These results are consistent with those found in premature human infants and emphasize the need to optimize parenteral AA solutions for the unique metabolic requirements of premature infants. Improved technologies for rapid monitoring of AA concentrations during treatment are essential.
Related Concept Videos
Amino acids
Amino Acid Catabolism
Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways
Weak Acid Solutions
Phase II Reactions: Sulfation and Conjugation with α-Amino Acids
Strong Acid and Base Solutions

