EFFECTS OF CITRULLINE MALATE ON BACTERIAL LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED ENDOTOXEMIA IN RATS

The administration of endotoxins to rats as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induces a state af exhaustion, in which the main symptoms are febrile hyperthermia, reduced food intake, decreased body weight and reduced m uscle performance in treadmill tests Underlying the physiological and behavioral disturbances due to the LPS is the activation of macrophage s that release cytokines (interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor a) and NO. The cellular responses are intended to maintain homeostasis. Provi sion of citrulline as citrulline malate (GAS 54940-97-5, Stimol(R)), a n antifatigue substance, improved muscle performance but had no effect on the body temperature or on the body weight of these animals weaken ed by LPS. The presence of citrulline in the NO synthesis pathway, or its participation in the speeded up elimination of ammonia and lactate s the main products of muscle metabolism, might explain the effects of citrulline malate in vats treated with LPS.