Abstract |
Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) activity was measured by a radioenzymatic assay in homogenates of brain and liver obtained from Sprague Dawley rats fed a choline-free or control (0.3 g/kg of choline chloride) diet for seven days. Choline deficiency increased PEMT activity in the liver of male rats by 34% but had no effect on hepatic PEMT in females. In contrast, brain PEMT activity was increased in brain of choline deficient females (by 49%) but was unaltered in males. Activation of the PE methylation pathway in female brain may constitute a compensatory mechanism to sustain PC synthesis during choline deficiency.
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Authors | P I Johnson, J K Blusztajn |
Journal | Neurochemical research
(Neurochem Res)
Vol. 23
Issue 5
Pg. 583-7
(May 1998)
ISSN: 0364-3190 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9566595
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Methyltransferases
- Phosphatidylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase
- Choline
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Topics |
- Analysis of Variance
- Animals
- Brain
(enzymology)
- Choline
(administration & dosage, pharmacology)
- Choline Deficiency
(enzymology)
- Enzyme Activation
- Female
- Liver
(enzymology)
- Male
- Methyltransferases
(metabolism)
- Phosphatidylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Sex Characteristics
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