PLASMA AMINO-ACIDS IN HYPERPHAGIC PUPS SUBJECTED TO A GLUCOSE GAVAGE

An oral gavage of either glucose or saline was given to pups fed eithe r standard diet or cafeteria diet. The plasma amino acid concentration s were measured by a radiochemical method. In the standard diet group, plasma Asn+Asp, Thr, Pro, Cit, Trp and Phe levels were higher in rats receiving a glucose solution than in those given saline solution; tau rine (on day 20) and Ser (on day 30) showed also higher plasma values. Plasma Arg and taurine levels in rats receiving glucose were lower th an those in rats receiving saline when these pups were fed the cafeter ia diet. Tyr (on day 20) and Gly and Pro (on day 30), showed decreased plasma values. The diet consumed during the days preceding a glucose gavage may have pronounced effects on several metabolites, particularl y on nitrogen metabolism. The homeostasis of plasma amino acids was he ld highly constant in spite of the variety of diets supplied, indicati ng a remarkable homeostatic capacity on amino acidemia against dieteti c manipulation.