Effect of vitamin C deficiency on hydroxylation of trimethylaminobutyrate to carnitine in the guinea pig.

Abstract

The effect of ascorbate deficiency on carnitine biosynthesis was investigated in young male guinea pigs. Liver and skeletal muscle carnitine levels were reduced in scorbutic animals. Heart and kidney concentrations remained unchanged. 14C-labeled 4-N-trimethylaminobutyrate was administered to control, pair-fed and scorbutic animals and distribution of isotope in compound present in the liver after 30 min was determined. Control and pair-fed animals converted trimethylaminobutyrate to carnitine faster than scorbutic animals. Injection of ascorbate with the [14C]trimethylaminobutyrate reversed the decline in trimethylaminobutyrate hydroxylase (EC 1.14.11.1) activity in scorbutic animals.

• Authors: W J Thoma, L M Henderson
• Journal: Biochimica et biophysica acta (Biochim Biophys Acta) Vol. 797 Issue 1 Pg. 136-9 (Jan 24 1984) ISSN: 0006-3002 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 6692007 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
• trimethylaminobutyrate
• Mixed Function Oxygenases
• gamma-Butyrobetaine Dioxygenase
• Carnitine

Topics

• Animals
• Ascorbic Acid Deficiency (metabolism)
• Carnitine (biosynthesis)
• Guinea Pigs
• Hydroxylation
• Kidney (metabolism)
• Liver (metabolism)
• Male
• Mixed Function Oxygenases (metabolism)
• Muscles (metabolism)
• Myocardium (metabolism)
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (analogs & derivatives, metabolism)
• gamma-Butyrobetaine Dioxygenase