3-methylbutanal metabolism in the adult rat.

Abstract

1. 3-Methylbutanal is a normal constituent of human plasma and is elevated in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore these studies examined the possible source and site of synthesis of 3-methylbutanal and its effect on the central nervous system of adult rats. 2. 3-Methylbutanal was found to be a normal constituent of rat plasma and increased two to five times when leucine comprised 5% of the diet. Neomycin in the diet prevented the leucine-induced rise in plasma 3-methylbutanal. When this was injected at a dose of 120 mg/kg abnormal EEG patterns and sleep-like behaviour occurred, whereas smaller amounts (30 mg/kg) increased brain serotonin concentrations. 3. 3-Methylbutanal is a normal component of rat plasma: it may be derived in part from colonic bacterial breakdown of leucine and may influence central nervous system function. A possible relationship of 3-methylbutanal to the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy is suggested.

• Authors: S Kubow, G H Anderson, L M Blendis, E Goldberg
• Journal: Clinical science (London, England : 1979) (Clin Sci (Lond)) Vol. 61 Issue 4 Pg. 451-5 (Oct 1981) ISSN: 0143-5221 [Print] England
• PMID: 6169478 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Aldehydes
• Serotonin
• Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
• isovalerylaldehyde
• Tryptophan
• Leucine
• Neomycin

Topics

• Aldehydes (blood)
• Animals
• Brain (drug effects, metabolism)
• Electroencephalography
• Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (metabolism)
• Leucine (metabolism)
• Male
• Neomycin (pharmacology)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Strains
• Serotonin (metabolism)
• Tryptophan (metabolism)