Parenteral branched-chain amino acid treatment and avian dystrophy

Genetically homozygous line 413 dystrophic chickens were given twice-daily intraperitoneal injections of solutions containing branched-chain amino acids (BCCA-leucine, valine, isoleucine) either alone or in combination; and their alpha-ketoacid analogs (alpha-ketoisocaproic and alpha-ketoisovaleric acids). Another trial consisted of an amino acid mixture containing BCAA. Amino acid supplementation in each case significantly prolonged righting ability measured regularly by a standardized flip-test procedure. Enhanced functional ability was not generally accompanied by a decrease in plasma creatine kinase activity. However, a measurable increase in the affected pectoralis major muscle mass and protein content (female chickens in particular) was found with BCAA therapy. Moreover, the increase in muscle bulk was attended in some cases by a reduction in the relative number of degenerating fibers quantitated microscopically. Contrariwise, the amino acid mixture caused a reduction in pectoralis muscle mass. It is concluded that parenteral BCAA therapy offers limited benefit in retarding dystrophic symptoms in the chickens.