Differential alterations in branched-chain amino acid decarboxylation in liver of hypophysectomized rats

Valine decarboxylation was significantly increased and leucine decarboxylation was significantly decreased in rat liver slices following hypophysectomy. In both normal and hypophysectomized rats decarboxylation of leucine exceeded that of valine in slices whereas the reverse was observed with the respective keto acids and mitochondria.