Branched-chain amino acids inhibit proteolysis in rat skeletal muscle: Mechanisms involved

Incubation of isolated rat soleus and EDL muscles in the presence of 10 mM leucine resulted in a decreased proteolytic rate as measured by the release of tyrosine into the incubation medium. The effect of this branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) is associated with a decreased activity of the lysosomal proteases and a decreased expression of the genes of the ATP-ubiquitin-depe ndent proteolysis (ubiquitin and C8). Incubation of muscles in the presence of actinomycin D revealed that the effects of the amino acid can be accoun ted for by an inhibition of the transcription rate. The presence of leucine did not influence the gene expression of other nonlysosomal im-calpain) an d lysosomal (cathepsin B) proteolytic systems. It is concluded that the wel l-known effect of BCAA on muscle proteolysis is mediated, in the short term , by the inhibition of lysosomal proteolysis. In a longer period, based on the inhibition of gene transcription observed, an involvement of the ATP-de pendent proteolytic system is also likely to occur.). J. Cell. Physiol. 184 :380-384, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.