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Changes in respiratory control induced by amino acid infusions
J Takala1, J Askanazi, C Weissman
1Department of Surgery, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY.
Critical Care Medicine
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) infusions significantly augmented respiratory responses compared to standard amino acids. This suggests BCAA enrichment enhances respiratory stimulation independently of metabolic rate and sympathetic activity.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic and Respiratory Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Amino acid infusions can influence metabolic and respiratory parameters.
- Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) play crucial roles in protein synthesis and energy metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the metabolic and respiratory effects of BCAA-enriched amino acid solutions versus standard amino acid solutions.
- To investigate the impact of BCAA enrichment on ventilatory response to carbon dioxide and sympathetic activity.
Main Methods:
- Healthy subjects received a 4-hour infusion of either a BCAA-predominant or a standard amino acid solution.
- Minute ventilation, oxygen consumption, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) were monitored.
- Ventilatory response to CO2 inhalation and plasma norepinephrine concentrations were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both solutions increased minute ventilation and oxygen consumption, with BCAA solution showing a trend towards greater effects.
- BCAA infusion significantly increased the ventilatory response to CO2, unlike the standard solution.
- Standard amino acid infusion increased plasma norepinephrine, indicating heightened sympathetic activity, which was not observed with BCAA infusion.
Conclusions:
- BCAA enrichment of amino acid infusions augments respiratory stimulation.
- There is a dissociation between the respiratory stimulation, metabolic rate, and sympathetic nervous system activation during amino acid infusions.
- BCAAs may have specific roles in modulating respiratory control independent of overall metabolic and sympathetic drive.