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Decrease of the pool of amino acids adsorbed on blood cell membranes caused by starvation in rats
1Dept. de Biologia Fonamental i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de les Illes Balears, UIB, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Life Sciences
|January 1, 1995
Summary
24-hour starvation significantly depletes essential amino acids adsorbed on blood cell membranes in rats. This suggests a rapid turnover and physiological role for these membrane-bound amino acids during food deprivation.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition
Background:
- Amino acids are crucial for cellular functions.
- The role of amino acids adsorbed on blood cell membranes is not fully understood.
- Nutritional status can impact amino acid availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of short-term starvation on amino acids adsorbed to blood cell membranes.
- To determine if starvation alters the pool of membrane-bound amino acids in Wistar rats.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were subjected to a 24-hour starvation period.
- Blood samples were collected from the aorta and iliac vessels.
- Amino acid levels adsorbed on blood cell membranes were quantified.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in combined essential amino acids adsorbed on blood cell membranes was observed.
- This reduction occurred in both arterial and venous blood.
- Whole-blood amino acid levels remained unaffected, indicating a specific effect on membrane-adsorbed pools.
Conclusions:
- The pool of amino acids adsorbed on blood cell membranes exhibits rapid turnover.
- These membrane-bound amino acids likely play a physiological role during periods of food deprivation.
- Starvation impacts specific amino acid pools, not overall blood levels.