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3-fluoro-3-deoxycitrate: a probe for mechanistic study of citrate-utilizing enzymes.

The interaction of a novel fluorinated analogue of citrate, 3-fluoro-3-deoxycitrate (3-fluorocitrate), with the four known citrate-processing enzymes is described in this report. Three of the citrate-processing enzymes, citrate synthase, ATP citrate lyase, and citrate lyase, catalyze reversible aldol-type condensations. The fate of 3-fluorocitrate with each enzyme is uniquely related to their mechanisms of action. For citrate synthase, 3-fluorocitrate is a competitive inhibitor. 3-Fluorocitrate is a substrate for the carboxylate activation half-reaction catalyzed by ATP citrate lyase and induces a net ATPase action during conversion to 3-fluorocitryl-S-coenzyme A. Because of the unusual mechanism of citrate cleavage catalyzed by bacterial citrate lyase, 3-fluorocitrate is a mechanism-based inhibitor, acting at two points during turnover of the acetyl enzyme. The fourth citrate-processing enzyme, aconitase, does turn over 3-fluorocitrate catalytically. This enzyme, catalyzing a dehydration and rehydration of citrate, also catalyzes the elimination of HF from 3-fluorocitrate, yielding cis-aconitate and fluoride.

ATP Citrate (pro-S)-Lyase↗

Characterization of an inducible citrate uptake system in Penicillium simplicissimum.

When citrate was used as a sole source of carbon, citrate uptake by Penicillium simplicissimum increased 267-fold (if glucose-grown mycelium was adapted to citrate) or 1400-fold (if the fungus was grown on citrate) compared to glucose-grown mycelium. Inhibition of macromolecular synthesis prevented this stimulation of citrate uptake. Citrate uptake by glucose-grown mycelium was low (0.0015 nmol min(-1) (mg DW)(-1)) and most probably due to diffusion of undissociated citric acid. Citrate-adapted mycelium had a K(M) of 65 micromol l(-1) and a V(max) of 0.34 nmol min(-1) (mg DW)(-1). In citrate-grown mycelium K(M) was 318 micromol l(-1) and V(max) was 8.5 nmol min(-1) (mg DW)(-1). Citrate uptake was inhibited by sodium azide and uncouplers (TCS, 3,3',4',5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide; FCCP, carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-hydrazone). Because of this we postulate that the induced citrate uptake must be an active transport process. The pH optimum of citrate uptake was between pH 6 and 7. EDTA and Mg2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Ca2+ only weakly influenced the induced citrate uptake. The properties of citrate uptake by Aspergillus niger and P. simplicissimum are compared.

Biological Transport↗

Citrate release by perfused rat hearts: a window on mitochondrial cataplerosis.

Cytosolic citrate is proposed to play a crucial role in substrate fuel selection in the heart. However, little is known about factors regulating the transfer of citrate from the mitochondria, where it is synthesized, to the cytosol. Further to our observation that rat hearts perfused under normoxia release citrate whose (13)C labeling pattern reflects that of mitochondrial citrate (B. Comte, G. Vincent, B. Bouchard, and C. Des Rosiers. J. Biol. Chem. 272: 26117-26124, 1997), we report here data indicating that this citrate release is a specific process reflecting the mitochondrial efflux of citrate, a process referred to as cataplerosis. Indeed, measured rates of citrate release, which vary between 2 and 21 nmol/min, are modulated by the nature and concentration of exogenous substrates feeding acetyl-CoA (fatty acid) and oxaloacetate (lactate plus pyruvate) for the mitochondrial citrate synthase reaction. Such release rates that represent at most 2% of the citric acid cycle flux are in agreement with the activity of the mitochondrial tricarboxylate transporter whose participation is also substantiated by 1) parallel variations in citrate release rates and tissue levels of citrate plus malate, the antiporter, and 2) a lowering of the citrate release rate by 1,2, 3-benzenetricarboxylic acid, a specific inhibitor of the transporter. Taken together, the results from the present study indicate that citrate cataplerosis is modulated by substrate supply, in agreement with the role of cytosolic citrate in fuel partitioning, and occurs, at least in part, through the mitochondrial tricarboxylate transporter.

Acetyl Coenzyme A↗

Improving the delivery of continuous renal replacement therapy using regional citrate anticoagulation.

AIMS: Regional citrate anticoagulation during acute renal replacement therapy (RRT) effectively prevents extracorporeal thrombosis and avoids bleeding risk. There have been a number of citrate anticoagulation protocols published; but a simple and predictable scheme with standardized components and procedures, as well as clearly defined citrate pharmacokinetics, is needed for continuous RRT (CRRT) that is now used frequently in the critical care setting. The present study sets forth methodology with standardized blood flow and dialysate composition, and with citrate and calcium infusions that are quantitatively linked to extracorporeal blood flow rate--a predictable and easily replicated CRRT paradigm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CRRT using continuous venovenous hemofiltration with dialysis (CVVHD) was standardized using 150-200 ml/min blood flow, calcium-free dialysate with only moderate sodium (135 mEq/l) and bicarbonate (28 mEq/l) concentrations, and ultrafiltration limited to that needed for overall fluid balance in the intensive care unit. Citrate infusion (ACD-A solution) into the extracorporeal blood and calcium repletion in blood returned to the patient were proportional to blood flow. Anticoagulation was accomplished by keeping extracorporeal ionized calcium below 0.4 mM/l. Filter performance, citrate removal and changes in calcium, sodium and alkali were evaluated longitudinally. RESULTS: CVVHD using this protocol delivered urea clearance exceeding 2 l/h (48 l/d) when filter function was sustained. Filter longevity was markedly improved using citrate when compared with standard heparin anticoagulation, and nursing time spent on initiating and troubleshooting CRRT was approximately halved using this protocol. Sieving coefficients for urea, creatinine and citrate were approximately 0.9 and were sustained through nearly 3 days of filter use. Citrate clearance and removal were quantitatively linked to dialysate and ultrafiltration flow, resulting in 35-50% direct removal of the citrate-calcium chelate and reduced systemic citrate load. Serum tonicity and acid-base status were not problematic. The only notable side effect was modest calcium accumulation that necessitated reduction in calcium repletion rate. CONCLUSIONS: CVVHD is well suited to regional citrate anticoagulation. The present protocol is straightforward and predictable, with minor metabolic consequences that can be anticipated and adjusted. These results commend regional citrate anticoagulation to wider application.

Aged↗

[Complement activation in citrate plasma--inhibitory effect of anticoagulants on serum complement activation].

It is generally accepted that complement activation does not proceed in EDTA- and citrate-plasma because of calcium chelation by EDTA and citrate. However, there were several cases with low CH50 level in serum and citrate plasma and normal CH50 level in EDTA plasma, suggesting that complement might be activated in citrate-plasma but not in EDTA-plasma. The present study deals with the inhibitory effect of EDTA and citrate on complement activation. CH50 was assayed in serum or plasma containing various concentrations of EDTA or citrate after incubation with latex particles bearing immunoglobulin. It was revealed that complement activation proceeded in the presence of 2.0 mmol/l of EDTA but was inhibited in the presence of 2.5 mmol/l of EDTA, while blood coagulation was inhibited in plasma containing EDTA higher than 2.0 mmol/l. As to citrate, complement activation proceeded in the presence of 25 mmol/l of citrate but was inhibited in the presence of 50 mmol/l of citrate, while blood coagulation was inhibited in plasma containing citrate higher than 6.2 mmol/l. Thus, it was indicated that, as usual plasma in clinic contains 3.5 mmol/l of EDTA or 10.9 mmol/l of citrate, complement can be activated in citrate-plasma but not in EDTA-plasma. Similar conclusion was obtained by another experiment using ordinary vacuum-type blood collection tube for EDTA-2K plasma, EDTA-2Na plasma and citrate plasma.

Anticoagulants↗

Adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase mediates hypocitraturia in rats.

Chronic metabolic acidosis increases proximal tubular citrate uptake and metabolism. The present study addressed the effect of chronic metabolic acidosis on a cytosolic enzyme of citrate metabolism, ATP citrate lyase. Chronic metabolic acidosis caused hypocitraturia in rats and increased renal cortical ATP citrate lyase activity by 67% after 7 d. Renal cortical ATP citrate lyase protein abundance increased by 29% after 3 d and by 141% after 7 d of acid diet. No significant change in mRNA abundance could be detected. Hypokalemia, which causes only intracellular acidosis, caused hypocitraturia and increased renal cortical ATP citrate lyase activity by 28%. Conversely, the hypercitraturia of chronic alkali feeding was associated with no change in ATP citrate lyase activity. Inhibition of ATP citrate lyase with the competitive inhibitor, 4S-hydroxycitrate, significantly abated hypocitraturia and increased urinary citrate excretion fourfold in chronic metabolic acidosis and threefold in K+-depletion. In summary, the hypocitraturia of chronic metabolic acidosis is associated with an increase in ATP citrate lyase activity and protein abundance, and is partly reversed by inhibition of this enzyme. These results suggest an important role for ATP citrate lyase in proximal tubular citrate metabolism.

ATP Citrate (pro-S)-Lyase↗

Salicylic acid-induced aluminum tolerance by modulation of citrate efflux from roots of Cassia tora L.

Aluminum-induced exudation of organic acids from roots has been proposed as a mechanism for Al tolerance in plants. To better understand the regulatory process leading to efflux of organic acids, the possible involvement of salicylic acid (SA) in regulating Al-induced citrate release in Cassia tora L. was identified. The response of citrate efflux to exogenous SA was concentration-dependent. Application of SA at 5 microM in solution containing 20 microM Al increased citrate efflux to levels 1.76-fold higher than in controls (20 microM Al alone). However, inhibition of citrate release was observed when SA concentrations increased to more than 20 microM. Increased citrate efflux due to the SA treatment was associated with decreased inhibition of root growth and Al content in root tips, suggesting that exogenous SA could confer Al tolerance by increasing citrate efflux. We also examined citrate synthase activities (EC 4.1.3.7) and citrate concentrations in root tips exposed to Al and/or SA. However, both citrate synthase activities and citrate accumulation remained unaffected. These results indicate that SA-promotion of Al-induced citrate efflux is not correlated with increase in citrate production. Total endogenous SA concentrations were measured in root tips and the SA concentrations were significantly enhanced by Al at levels of 10-50 microM.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Serum citrate as a peripheral indicator of fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate toxicity in rats and dogs.

The utility of serum citrate as a peripheral indicator of toxicity was tested as a possible investigational probe for compounds which inhibit citrate metabolism. Fluoroacetate (FA) and its putative toxic metabolite, fluorocitrate (FC), were given to rats and dogs in a series of studies. In rats, 3 mg/kg FA (po) caused a 46% depletion in heart ATP concentrations and a 15-fold increase in heart citrate concentrations. Both of these changes were significantly correlated with a fivefold elevation in serum citrate. In dogs, citrate accumulation was less pronounced (two-to threefold) in the heart and serum, and heart ATP concentrations were not significantly reduced. However, the time course of serum citrate elevations corresponded with the appearance of serious clinical signs and death. In range-finding studies with rats or dogs, serum citrate elevations were always observed in a dose-related pattern according to the dose of FA or FC administered. In contrast to FA, toxic doses of FC did not reduce heart ATP in either rats or dogs, and heart citrate accumulation was less marked than with FA. Both FA and FC produced significant hyperglycemia (twofold increase) in both rats and dogs and high correlations were established between serum glucose and serum citrate in both species. Serum total calcium was reduced (-18%) in dogs treated with FC (8 mg/kg, iv) and a strong inverse correlation to serum citrate was shown. This correlation is biologically meaningful in light of the known chelating effect of citrate on calcium. Clinical manifestations of tremors, tetany, and convulsions in FC-treated dogs were consistent with known symptoms of hypocalcemia. No decrease in total calcium was observed in rats treated with either FA or FC. Despite certain species differences in response to the two fluoro inhibitors, serum citrate levels were always reflective of nontoxic, toxic, or lethal doses.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Unexpected severe hypocalcemia during continuous venovenous hemodialysis with regional citrate anticoagulation.

Citrate is known to induce acute hypocalcemia in patients undergoing liver transplantation during the anhepatic phase. We describe the case of a 71-year-old woman with fulminant hepatic failure secondary to hepatitis A, who was started on continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) for acute renal failure. Because anticoagulation with heparin was untenable, regional anticoagulation was accomplished by trisodium citrate (46.7%) infusion. Unfortunately, severe hypocalcemia developed when citrate accumulated because of impaired hepatic metabolism. Because of chelation by citrate, the ionized calcium concentration declined to values as low as 2.72 mg/dL (normal, 4.5 to 5.6 mg/dL), whereas the total calcium concentration remained in the normal range. With an unusually high calcium chloride infusion rate via a central line (up to 140 mL/h of 10 mEq/dL CaCl2) and additional boli of CaCl2 (for a total of 190 mEq), the ionized calcium concentration could be maintained at target levels. Nevertheless, the ionized calcium concentration was maintained in the normal range, and the total calcium concentration increased to a value as high as 15 mg/dL. Thus, the total to ionized calcium ratio was 3.5:1. After 24 hours of treatment, trisodium citrate infusion was gradually reduced from 15 mL/h to 7 mL/h, and the calcium chloride infusion was decreased to 50 mL/h. Nevertheless, persistence of the elevated total to ionized calcium ratio (3:1) indicated citrate accumulation likely secondary to decreased hepatic metabolism. Using this approach, the patient was successfully maintained on CVVHD with regional citrate anticoagulation for a total of 11 days without any additional complications. We conclude that CVVHD with regional citrate anticoagulation can be used in patients with acute hepatic failure if increased CaCl2 requirements are anticipated and if citrate is infused at a lower rate compatible with decreased citrate metabolism. Citrate accumulation should be suspected in patients with an elevated total to ionized Ca++ ratio during CVVHD with citrate anticoagulation.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Functional properties of the purified Na(+)-dependent citrate carrier of Klebsiella pneumoniae: evidence for asymmetric orientation of the carrier protein in proteoliposomes.

The sodium-ion-dependent citrate carrier of Klebsiella pneumoniae (CitS) was purified and reconstituted into liposomes to investigate the properties of this transport system without interference from other proteins. Citrate uptake was an electroneutral process, where delta pNa+ and/or delta pH are driving forces. Delta psi was unable to stimulate citrate transport, either alone or in addition to the other driving forces. Sodium ions on the inside of the proteoliposomes stimulated the uptake of citrate, indicating that Na+ ions recycle during the transport of citrate. CitS also performed Na+ counterflow in the absence of citrate. The citrate carrier performed citrate/citrate counterflow but no heterologous antiport of citrate with one of the end products arising from the anaerobic citrate fermentation pathway (acetate, formate, or bicarbonate) in K. pneumoniae. Citrate counterflow kinetics revealed that CitS transports citrate according to a simultaneous type of mechanism. The Km and Ki values revealed two binding sites for citrate: one with low and one with high affinity. This transport mode is in accord with an asymmetric organization of the carrier protein in proteoliposomes.

Antiporters↗

Dosage of potassium citrate in the correction of urinary abnormalities in pediatric distal renal tubular acidosis patients.

Potassium citrate is an alkaline agent that has been recommended for the prevention of nephrolithiasis in distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Information on the effectiveness and the optimal dose of potassium citrate in the correction of urinary abnormalities in pediatric distal RTA is limited, however. We conducted this study to determine the effectiveness and the optimal dose of potassium citrate for the correction of urinary abnormalities and the prevention of nephrolithiasis in children with distal RTA. Eight pediatric distal RTA patients participated in this study. The mean +/- SEM age was 9.7 +/- 1.2 years, and mean body weight was 29.1 +/- 4.7 kg. After initial evaluation, all patients were treated with increasing dosages of potassium citrate starting from 2 mEq/kg/d in three divided doses. The dosage was increased progressively in a stepwise fashion every 2 months from 2 mEq/kg/d to 3 mEq/kg/d, then to 4 mEq/kg/d. Blood and 8-hour overnight urine samples were obtained at baseline and every 2 months before increasing the dosage of potassium citrate. Urinary saturations for calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate were estimated by using Tiselius's indices. The basal urinary calcium-to-creatinine, phosphate-to-creatinine, and calcium-to-citrate ratios and urinary saturation for calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate were elevated significantly, whereas citrate-to-creatinine ratio was reduced significantly in distal RTA patients. These ratios were normalized gradually with the increasing dosage of potassium citrate. All the aforementioned abnormalities were normalized only after the dosage of potassium citrate was raised to 4 mEq/kg/d. The elevation in urinary saturation of calcium phosphate could not be normalized throughout the study, however. These results suggest that 4 mEq/kg/d of potassium citrate supplement can correct successfully most of the urinary abnormalities and the elevated urinary saturation for calcium oxalate but not for calcium phosphate in children with distal RTA. Monitoring of urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratio or citrate-to-creatinine ratio is valuable to ensure adequate potassium citrate supplementation in this group of patients.

Acidosis, Renal Tubular↗

Calcium oxalate crystallization in undiluted postprandial urine of healthy male volunteers as influenced by citrate.

The crystallization of calcium oxalate (CaOx) in undiluted urine of healthy male volunteers, collected 3 h after intake of a test meal, was evaluated. In two experiments in vitro either the urinary total citrate concentration was increased (urine A) or the urinary pH was elevated (urine B). In one clinical trial the bioequivalence of orally taken potassium citrate (PC) or potassium-sodium citrate (PSC) (n = 9) was studied, in two other trials the dose-response effects of oral PC (n = 8) and oral calcium-sodium citrate (CSC; n = 8). Elevation of urinary citrate (urine A) decreased CaOx crystallization (nucleation, growth, agglomeration time), the crystal content of calcium and oxalate was low and the one of citrate was high. Elevation of urinary pH (urine B) also inhibited CaOx crystallization, the calculated molar ratio free (ionised) citrate/free (ionised) calcium at pH 7.0 was about twice the value observed at pH 5.5, and the ratio complexed citrate/complexed calcium was low. PC and PSC, leading to high urinary citrate and pH, inhibited CaOx crystallization, the former at the stages nucleation, growth and agglomeration, the latter largely beyond nucleation. CSC increased calciuria and crystal growth, but left crystal agglomeration time unchanged. The urinary molar ratio total calcium/total citrate appeared to indicate the state of crystallization, as influenced by alkali containing citrate. It was concluded that 1) application of a technically simple test allows to study CaOx crystallization in undiluted urine; 2) changes in urinary pH and citrate manifest as altered CaOx crystallization, presumably inhibiting this process, the stage of nucleation included, via the action of free citrate and the formation of a calcium citrate complex (stoichiometry < 3:2); 3) oral intake of PC, PSC or CSC modulate differently CaOx crystallization. The significance of these findings, especially with CSC, for renal stone risk is uncertain, but awaits clarification by long-term studies using the described techniques and the calcium/citrate ratio in postprandial urine.

Adult↗

Daily plasma citrate rhythms in man during feeding and fasting.

Daily plasma citrate rhythms were followed during a 24-h day in seven subjects fed a common diet and from 0800 to 2100 hours in : (1) ten subjects fed a citrate-poor diet; (2) eight subjects who continued overnight fasting (short-term fasting) and (3) nine obese patients during the 7th day of a total fasting (long-term fasting). During feeding plasma citrate increased after meals (from 9.0 to 30.7%). Citrate profiles did not change in subjects receiving the common and the citrate-poor diet. Plasma citrate rhythms correlated closely to rhythms of plasma lactate but not to rhythms of plasma glucose, free fatty acids (FFA) or insulin in feeding state. During short-term fasting, plasma citrate increased and remained high during long-term fasting as did plasma FFA concentration. Individual plasma concentrations of citrate and FFA correlated positively in the postabsorptive state. During long-term fasting same relation became negative, while individual concentrations of citrate and glucose correlated positively. Daily urinary citrate excretion over three sampling periods did not change during feeding, decreased during short-term fasting and was constantly low on the 7th day of fasting. The study demonstrates endogenous daily plasma citrate rhythms during feeding which vary as do plasma concentrations of carbohydrate metabolites. During fasting, an increased plasma citrate concentration is proposed as a more direct measurement of metabolic adaptations underlying the decreased glucose utilization than is an enhanced plasma FFA level.

Adult↗

Mechanism of citrate metabolism in Lactococcus lactis: resistance against lactate toxicity at low pH.

Measurement of the flux through the citrate fermentation pathway in resting cells of Lactococcus lactis CRL264 grown in a pH-controlled fermentor at different pH values showed that the pathway was constitutively expressed, but its activity was significantly enhanced at low pH. The flux through the citrate-degrading pathway correlated with the magnitude of the membrane potential and pH gradient that were generated when citrate was added to the cells. The citrate degradation rate and proton motive force were significantly higher when glucose was metabolized at the same time, a phenomenon that could be mimicked by the addition of lactate, the end product of glucose metabolism. The results clearly demonstrate that citrate metabolism in L. lactis is a secondary proton motive force-generating pathway. Although the proton motive force generated by citrate in cells grown at low pH was of the same magnitude as that generated by glucose fermentation, citrate metabolism did not affect the growth rate of L. lactis in rich media. However, inhibition of growth by lactate was relieved when citrate also was present in the growth medium. Citrate did not relieve the inhibition by other weak acids, suggesting a specific role of the citrate transporter CitP in the relief of inhibition. The mechanism of citrate metabolism presented here provides an explanation for the resistance to lactate toxicity. It is suggested that the citrate metabolic pathway is induced under the acidic conditions of the late exponential growth phase to make the cells (more) resistant to the inhibitory effects of the fermentation product, lactate, that accumulates under these conditions.

Acetates↗

Citrate excretion: a window on renal metabolism.

The rate of intracellular metabolism of citrate plays a major role in determining the amount of citrate excreted in the urine. Fractional excretion of citrate can be increased either by increasing intracellular citrate synthesis from precursors or by inhibiting mitochondrial citrate metabolism. Increased excretion secondary to increased synthesis of citrate occurs when citric acid cycle precursors such as malate or succinate are infused. Increased excretion resulting from inhibition of citrate metabolism occurs when malonate, maleate, or fluorocitrate is administered. Systemic acid-base changes cause striking changes in citrate clearance and metabolism. Recent evidence suggests that the effects of acid-base changes are mediated by alteration in the pH gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Metabolic alkalosis causes cytoplasmic pH and bicarbonate to increase, resulting in a decrease in the mitochondrial pH gradient. This change inhibits the tricarboxylate carrier, slowing entry of citrate into the mitochondrial matrix compartment. The level of citrate in the cytoplasm increases, tubular and peritubular citrate uptake are reduced, and citrate clearance increases. Opposite changes occur in acidosis. Change in the mitochondrial pH gradient provides a sensitive mechanism for regulating renal substrate metabolism.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

The role of pH, PCO2, and bicarbonate in regulating rat diaphragm citrate content.

Intact rat diaphragms were exposed in vitro to varying CO(2) tensions and bicarbonate concentrations, and the steady-state citrate content of diaphragm muscle was measured to investigate the relationship between metabolism and extracellular pH, P(CO2), and (HCO(3) (-)). In addition, rat hemidiaphragms were incubated with 1,5-citrate-(14)C under different acid-base conditions, and (14)CO(2) production was determined as a measure of citrate oxidation. Acidification of the bathing medium achieved by raising CO(2) tension or lowering (HCO(3) (-)) was associated with a decrease in muscle citrate content. On the other hand, alkalinization of the medium induced by lowering CO(2) tension or raising (HCO(3) (-)) caused tissue citrate content to rise. At a physiologic extracellular pH value of approximately 7.40, citrate content was decreased or normal depending on the CO(2)/HCO(3) (-) combination employed to attain the pH. Under low bicarbonate and low P(CO2) conditions, citrate content was reduced. A similar result was found at external pH values of 7.15, implying that at these two extracellular pH levels (HCO(3) (-)) primarily determines citrate content. When changes in citrate content were compared with intracellular pH data reported earlier using the same intact diaphragm preparation, no simple relation between citrate content and intracellular pH was found. The effect of acidity on citrate content seems related to a change in citrate oxidation since the latter increased progressively with increasing degrees of medium acidity. These results show that cellular metabolism is not a simple function of extracellular pH but is dependent on the particular combination of P(CO2) and bicarbonate employed to achieve the pH value. These studies also suggest that accumulation or disposal of organic acids, such as citric acid, helps to regulate cellular acidity thereby contributing to the cells' defense against external acid-base disorders.

Acidosis↗

Contrasting effects of various potassium salts on renal citrate excretion.

Mechanisms for the citraturic response to potassium citrate treatment were sought by assessing renal citrate clearance and acid-base status after oral administration of potassium citrate, potassium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride. After 2 weeks of treatment of eight patients with stones at a dose of 80 meq/day, urinary citrate rose significantly from 2.5 +/- 1.6 mmol/day (no drug) to 5.1 +/- 1.7 mmol/day with potassium citrate and to 4.5 +/- 1.5 mmol/day with potassium bicarbonate (P less than 0.05), but did not change significantly with potassium chloride. Citrate clearance increased from 8.0 to 27.4 mL/min with potassium citrate and 25.8 mL/min with potassium bicarbonate (P less than 0.05), but did not increase with potassium chloride. Both potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate significantly raised urinary bicarbonate and decreased urinary ammonium, titratable acid, and net acid excretion. Potassium chloride was without effect. Effects of potassium citrate on urinary citrate, citrate clearance, and acid-base status tended to be more prominent than those of potassium bicarbonate, but these changes were not significant. Thus, the citraturic action of potassium citrate is largely accountable for by provision of an alkali load. Potassium itself had no effect in the absence of potassium deficiency.

Adult↗

Citrate modulation of high-affinity aspartate transport in prostate epithelial cells.

Prostate secretory epithelial cells have the unique and highly specialized function of accumulating and secreting extraordinarily high levels of citrate. Aspartate is a major four-carbon source of oxaloacetate required for the net synthesis of citrate by these cells. The prostate epithelial cells contain a Na(+)-coupled, high-affinity aspartate transporter which permits the cells to accumulate aspartate from circulation against a large concentration gradient. Because of this unique relationship between aspartate and citrate, it was important to determine if citrate modulated the high-affinity transport of aspartate into prostate epithelial cells. The current studies with freshly prepared prostate epithelial cells obtained from rat ventral prostate demonstrated that citrate exerted two effects on aspartate transport. Physiological levels of extracellular citrate (i.e., equivalent to circulating levels) markedly inhibited (cis-inhibitory effect) aspartate transport. In contrast, intracellular citrate at concentrations associated with normal in situ cells resulted in two levels of stimulation of aspartate transport. A 4-fold increase in aspartate transport occurred when the intracellular citrate was increased up to 500 nmols/g, and an 11-fold increase resulted when the intracellular citrate concentration was elevated to 1800 nmols/g (which is uniquely characteristic of prostate cells). The combined effect of the cis-inhibitory and trans-stimulatory actions of citrate was a consistent 1-2 fold increase in aspartate transport. These studies support the concept that citrate is a physiological regulator of the high-affinity transport of aspartate into prostate secretory epithelial cells in association with the unique and highly specialized function of net citrate production and secretion.

Animals↗