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Plasma brain natriuretic peptide level as a biochemical marker of morbidity and mortality in patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. Comparison with plasma angiotensin II and endothelin-1.

AIMS: To evaluate the level of plasma brain natriuretic peptide as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS: We measured plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, norepinephrine, angiotensin II, and endothelin-1 and monitored haemodynamic parameters in 290 consecutive patients with asymptomatic or minimally and newly symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (functional classes I-II, mean left ventricular ejection fraction=37%). All patients were followed up for a median period of 812 days. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association of variables with mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up, 24 patients had suffered cardiac death and 25 had been hospitalized for worsening heart failure during the follow-up period. Among 21 variables such as clinical characteristics, treatment, haemodynamics, and neurohumoral factors, high levels of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (P<0.0001), norepinephrine (P=0.042), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (P=0.0035), and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (P=0.033) were shown to be independent predictors of mortality and morbidity by stepwise multivariate analysis. Moreover, only a high level of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (P<0.0001) was shown to be an independent predictor of mortality in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a high plasma brain natriuretic peptide level provides information about mortality and morbidity in patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.

Adolescent↗

Increased plasma protein binding of propranolol and chlorpromazine mediated by disease-induced elevations of plasma alpha1 acid glycoprotein.

To assess the importance of disease-induced increases in plasma concentrations of alpha1 acid glycoprotein (an acute-phase plasma protein that binds cationic drugs), we determined binding of propranolol in plasma from 53 patients and 25 healthy volunteers. Binding was increased in 10 patients with Crohn's disease (P less than 0.002), nine with inflammatory arthritis (P less than 0.002) and eight with chronic renal failure with superimposed inflammatory disease (P less than 0.01) as compared with healthy controls. The plasma binding of control subjects did not differ from that of 12 patients with chronic hepatic disease (P greater than 0.45) or 14 with uncomplicated renal failure (P greater than 0.80). Chlorpromazine binding, determined in 60 subjects, yielded similar results. Percentage of free drug and alpha1 acid glycoprotein concentration were inversely correlated (r = -0.77 with propranolol, P less than 0.001, and r = -0.69 with chlorpromazine, P less than 0.001). Increases in plasma protein binding in patients with inflammatory disease appear mediated by increases in alpha1 acid glycoprotein concentration, which may influence drug kinetics.

Adult↗

Plasma membranes from cultured muscle cells: isolation procedure and separation of putative plasma-membrane marker enzymes.

Partially purified plasma membranes were obtained from chick-embryo muscle cells grown in tissue culture. The purification procedure involved homogenization in buffered isotonic sucrose followed by differential and sucrose density gradient centrifugations. The activities of five plasma-membrane markers, as well as microsomal and mitochondrial markers, were followed throughout the purification. When cultures were labeled with [(125)I]alpha-bungarotoxin, which binds to the surface of cultured muscle cells, the distributions of bound alpha-bungarotoxin and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) activity were nearly identical. The activities of these two plasma-membrane markers were maximal in the upper two fractions of the sucrose density gradient and were purified 5- to 7-fold with respect to total particulate protein. These fractions contained 20-30% of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and bound alpha-bungarotoxin, 4% of the microsomal marker TPNH-dependent cytochrome c reductase, 0.2% of the mitochondrial marker succinate-dependent cytochrome c reductase, 2.7% of the cellular RNA, and 0.02% of the DNA. The activity of the commonly used plasma-membrane marker, 5'-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5), was low in the upper two sucrose gradient fractions and was maximal in a more dense fraction. The distributions of the other two plasma-membrane markers, leucyl beta-naphthylamidase and phosphodiesterase I, were intermediate between Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and 5'-nucleotidase. The distributions of all markers were similar in preparations from cultures containing mononucleated myogenic cells, multinucleated myotubes, fibroblasts, or all three cell types. Modification of the procedure to include homogenization in the absence of sucrose resulted in a 3.4-fold purification of the membranes containing 5'-nucleotidase, which were shifted to a lower density.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Coenzyme Q reductase from liver plasma membrane: purification and role in trans-plasma-membrane electron transport.

A specific requirement for coenzyme Q in the maintenance of trans-plasma-membrane redox activity is demonstrated. Extraction of coenzyme Q from membranes resulted in inhibition of NADH-ascorbate free radical reductase (trans electron transport), and addition of coenzyme Q10 restored the activity. NADH-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (cis electron transport) did not respond to the coenzyme Q status. Quinone analogs inhibited trans-plasma-membrane redox activity, and the inhibition was reversed by coenzyme Q. A 34-kDa coenzyme Q reductase (p34) has been purified from pig-liver plasma membranes. The isolated enzyme was sensitive to quinone-site inhibitors. p34 catalyzed the NADH-dependent reduction of coenzyme Q10 after reconstitution in phospholipid liposomes. When plasma membranes were supplemented with extra p34, NADH-ascorbate free radical reductase was activated but NADH-cytochrome c oxidoreductase was not. These results support the involvement of p34 as a source of electrons for the trans-plasma-membrane redox system oxidizing NADH and support coenzyme Q as an intermediate electron carrier between NADH and the external acceptor ascorbate free radical.

Animals↗

Biochemical properties and cDNa cloning of two new lectins from the plasma of Tachypleus tridentatus: Tachypleus plasma lectin 1 and 2+.

A Sepharose CL-4B-binding protein, Tachypleus plasma lectin 1 (TPL-1), and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein, Tachypleus plasma lectin-2 (TPL-2), have been isolated from the plasma of Tachypleus tridentatus and biochemically characterized. Each protein is coded by a homologous family of multigenes. TPL-1 binds to Sepharose CL-4B and was eluted with buffer containing 0.4 m GlcNAc. The deduced amino acid sequence of TPL-1 consisted of 232 amino acids with an N-glycosylation site, Asn-Gly-Ser at residues 74-76. It shares a 65% sequence identity and similar internal repeats of about 20 amino acid motifs with tachylectin-1. Tachylectin-1 was identified as a lipopolysaccharide-agarose binding nonglycosylated protein from the amebocytes of T. tridentatus. TPL-2 was eluted from the LPS-Sepharose CL-4B affinity column in buffer containing 0.4 m GlcNAc and 2 m KCl. The deduced amino acid sequence of TPL-2 consisted of 128 amino acids with an N-glycosylation site, Asn-Cys-Thr, at positions 3-5. It shares an 80% sequence identity with tachylectin-3, isolated from the amebocytes of T. tridentatus. TPL-2 purified by LPS-affinity column from the plasma predominantly exists as a dimer of a glycoprotein with an apparent molecular mass of 36 kDa. Tachylectin-3 is an intracellular nonglycosylated protein that also exists as a dimer in solution with an apparent molecular mass of 29 kDa. It recognizes Gram-negative bacteria through the 0-antigen of LPS. Western blot analyses showed that, in the plasma, TPL-1 and TPL-2 exist predominantly as oligomers with molecular masses above 60 kDa. They both bind to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and this binding is inhibited by GlcNAc. Possible binding site of TPL-1 and TPL-2 to the bacteria could be at the NAc moiety of GlcNAc-MurNAc of the peptidoglycan. The physiological function of TPL-1 and TPL-2 is most likely related to their ability to form a cluster of interlocking molecules to immobilize and entrap invading organisms.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Reduction of plasma triglyceride level and enhancement of plasma albumin concentration by Oren-gedoku-to administration.

Oren-gedoku-to (Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang, OGT) has been used for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, gastritis and liver disease in Japan. The present study was to test whether ingestion of OGT extract (TJ-15) would affect the metabolism of fatty acids and the usual antioxidant molecule (such as albumin, uric acid and bilirubin) levels in human plasma. After the administration of TJ-15, plasma total cholesterol and the triglyceride level significantly decreased, and lipoprotein lipase mass increased. Significant enhancement of plasma albumin level and reduction of the total plasma protein level resulted in an increment of the albumin/globulin ratio. Plasma fibrinogen, an independent risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, declined considerably, but the reduction was not statistically significant. The findings of this study suggest that ingestion of TJ-15 improves the microcirculation through lipid and protein metabolisms, and is useful for the treatment of cerebral vascular attack in human.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Plasma lipoprotein concentration as an indicator of fatness in broilers: development and use of a simple assay for plasma very low density lipoproteins.

1. A turbidimetric assay for plasma very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) was developed, based on their selective precipitation with heparin and Mg2+. 2. Measurements of plasma VLDL concentration using the turbidimetric method showed a correlation of 0.98 with plasma VLDL plus low density lipoprotein triglyceride concentration estimated chemically. 3. Correlations between plasma VLDL concentration measured turbidimetrically and body fat content were similar to or higher than those obtained previously using a chemical assay. Correlations for broiler grandparent stock fed on a low-fat diet were 0.70 and 0.65 for males and females respectively. 4. Turbidimetric measurement of plasma VLDL concentration provides a simple, rapid and effective method of estimating fatness in live broilers that could be applied to commercial broiler breeding programmes.

Adipose Tissue↗

A single plasma sample method for estimation of the glomerular filtration rate in infants and children using iohexol, II: Establishment of the optimal plasma sampling time and a comparison with the 99Tcm-DTPA method.

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can be determined from the plasma disappearance rate of the non-ionic contrast medium iohexol. A preceding study established the empirical formulae enabling the development of a single plasma sample method for estimation of GFR in infants and children. In the present study the validity of these empirical formulae was confirmed in examinations in 143 patients. The results of the single plasma sample method were similar to those of a standard 99Tcm-DTPA method, and also with those of a two plasma sample iohexol method. Evaluation of the results obtained with plasma sampling 1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 4 h after the injection of the contrast medium showed that the optimal sampling time was about 3 h after the injection.

Adolescent↗

Fate of plasma membrane during endocytosis. II. Evidence for recycling (shuttle) of plasma membrane constituents.

Cultured rat embryo fibroblasts were first allowed to store for 24 h fluorescein-labeled goat immunoglobulins directed against rabbit immunoglobulins (F anti-R IgG), and were subsequently exposed for 24 h to [(3)H]acetylated rabbit immunoglobulins known to bind to the cell membrane either specifically (anti-plasma membrane IgG: A anti-PM IgG) or unspecifically (contol IgG: AC IgG). As a result of immunological interaction between the two antibodies (no effect was found if the cells had been preloaded with control goat FC IgG), a substantial portion of the stored F anti-R IgG was unloaded from its intracellular storage site, appearing in the medium in the form of soluble immune complexes with rabbit A IgG. Part of the unloaded F anti-R IgG also was recovered in association with the plasma membrane, but only when A anti-PM IgG was used. In addition, significant reverse translocation of AC IgG from plasma membrane to lysosomes or some related intracellular storage compartment was also observed. With A anti-PM IgG, this translocation was less marked and affecte at the same time the plasma membrane marker 5'- nucleotidase. Cells that had stored horseradish peroxidase (HRP) simultaneously with F anti-R IgG did not unload HRP when exposed to A anti-PM IgG. These results support strongly, though not unequivocally, the concept that plasma membrane patches interiorized by endocytosis are recycled, or shuttled, back to the cell surface. In the framework of this concept, recycling antibody-coated membrane is taken to serve as vehicle for the selective intracellular capture and extracellular discharge of immunologically bound F anti-R IgG. The alternative explanation of regurgitation triggered off by immune complexes is considered less likely in view of the lack of HRP unloading.

Animals↗

Accessory plasma factors involved in the bactericidal test for type-specific antibody to group A Streptococci. II. Human plasma cofactor (s) enhancing opsonization of encapsulated organisms.

A study was made of the nature of the thermolabile plasma factors in human blood which promote the phagocytosis of Group A streptococci in vitro in the presence of optimal amounts of type-specific M antibody. The plasmas of individuals with strong opsonic activity (normal) were compared with those of some individuals whose opsonic activity was consistently weak (deficient). A general relationship was established between encapsulation of streptococci and the opsonic requirement for thermolabile plasma factor(s). Marked differences in phagocytosis of Group A organisms by human bloods were demonstrated with encapsulated strains only. Human bloods deficient in the cofactor required for opsonization of encapsulated streptococci (coopsonin) showed a normal rate of phagocytosis against all other organisms and particles studied. Furthermore, coopsonin-deficient bloods contained normal levels of four components of complement, of properdin, of lysozyme, and of direct bactericidal activity against several species of Gram-negative organisms and of E. coli bacteriophage. The independence of the streptococcal coopsonin from complement was also demonstrated by absorption of plasma with bentonite and with zymosan. Under appropriate conditions, the coopsonin was reduced without significant loss of complement. The data support the concept that the capsule of the streptococcus imposes an opsonic requirement for a plasma factor(s) which is present in varying amounts in human bloods and which appears to be independent of the complement system. The possibility that it is accessory to the latter components has not been excluded.

Antibodies↗

Dissemination of contact activation in plasma by plasma kallikrein.

The dissemination of contact activation of plasma was examined by measuring the cleavage of Hageman factor (HF) molecules on two separate sets of kaolin particles, one of which contained all of the components of the contact activation system, HF, prekallikrein (PK) and high molecular weight kininogen (HMWK) in whole normal plasma, and the second set of particles containing only HF and HMWK, being prepared with PK-deficient plasma. After mixing of the particles, cleavage of HF on the second set of particles occurred at a rate similar to that occurring on the first set of particles. This indicated that rapid dissemination and burst of activity of the contact reaction takes place in fluid phase. A supernatant factor, responsibel for the dissemination of the contact reaction, was identified as kallikrein. A rapid appearance of cleaved PK (kallikrein) and HMWK on both the kaolin surface and in the supernate was observed. Within 40 s, > 70-80% of the PK and HMWK in the supernate was cleaved. On the surface, approximately 70% of each radiolabeled protein was cleaved at the earliest measurement. Cleavage of PK by activated HF occurred at least 17 times faster on the surface than in the fluid phase, as virtually no cleavage of PK occurred in fluid phase. Each molecule of surface-bound, activated HF was calculated to cleave at a minimum, 20 molecules of PK per minute. It is concluded that the contact activaton of plasma may be divided into three phases: (a) the reciprocal activation of a few molecules of zymogen HF and PK on the surface, with HMWK acting as cofactor to bring these molecules into apposition; (b) the rapid release of kallikrein into the fluid phase and the continued conversion of PK to kallikrein by each surface-bound molecule of activated HF; and (c) the activation by fluid-phase kallikrein of multiple surface-bound HF molecules, and the cleavage of multiple molecules of MHWK both in fluid phase and on the surface by the soluble kallikrein. The evidence suggests that steps b and c account for a great majority of the generation of contact activation of plasma.

Blood Coagulation↗

An endosome-to-plasma membrane pathway involved in trafficking of a mutant plasma membrane ATPase in yeast.

The plasma membrane ATPase, encoded by PMA1, is delivered to the cell surface via the secretory pathway. Previously, we characterized a temperature-sensitive pma1 mutant in which newly synthesized Pma1-7 is not delivered to the plasma membrane but is mislocalized instead to the vacuole at 37 degrees C. Several vps mutants, which are defective in vacuolar protein sorting, suppress targeting-defective pma1 by allowing mutant Pma1 to move once again to the plasma membrane. In this study, we have analyzed trafficking in the endosomal system by monitoring the movement of Pma1-7 in vps36, vps1, and vps8 mutants. Upon induction of expression, mutant Pma1 accumulates in the prevacuolar compartment in vps36 cells. After chase, a fraction of newly synthesized Pma1-7 is delivered to the plasma membrane. In both vps1 and vps8 cells, newly synthesized mutant Pma1 appears in small punctate structures before arrival at the cell surface. Nevertheless, biosynthetic membrane traffic appears to follow different routes in vps8 and vps1: the vacuolar protein-sorting receptor Vps10p is stable in vps8 but not in vps1. Furthermore, a defect in endocytic delivery to the vacuole was revealed in vps8 (and vps36) but not vps1 by endocytosis of the bulk membrane marker FM 4-64. Moreover, in vps8 cells, there is defective down-regulation from the cell surface of the mating receptor Ste3, consistent with persistent receptor recycling from an endosomal compartment to the plasma membrane. These data support a model in which mutant Pma1 is diverted from the Golgi to the surface in vps1 cells. We hypothesize that in vps8 and vps36, in contrast to vps1, mutant Pma1 moves to the surface via endosomal intermediates, implicating an endosome-to-surface traffic pathway.

Biological Transport↗

Infant plasma trans, n-6, and n-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids are related to maternal plasma fatty acids, length of gestation, and birth weight and length.

BACKGROUND: Arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important for growth and neural development. trans Fatty acids (TFAs) may inhibit desaturation of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to AA and DHA, respectively. Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) also alter lipid metabolism and body fat. OBJECTIVE: We determined the associations of birth outcome with maternal and infant plasma concentrations of TFAs, CLAs, AA, and DHA. DESIGN: In healthy women, we sampled maternal blood at 35 wk gestation (n = 58) and umbilical cord blood at birth (n = 70). RESULTS: Mean (+/- SEM) TFA concentrations (% by wt) in infant plasma were as follows: triacylglycerol, 2.83 +/- 0.19 (range: 0.63-12.79); phospholipid, 0.67 +/- 0.03 (0.11-1.33); and cholesteryl ester, 2.04 +/- 0.01 (0.86-4.24). LA, AA, DHA, TFA, and CLA concentrations in infant phospholipids correlated with the same fatty acid in maternal plasma phospholipids (n = 44; P < 0.05). Infant plasma cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol TFAs and cholesteryl ester CLAs (r = -0.33, -0.42, and -0.49, respectively) were significantly inversely related to length of gestation. Triacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester AA were positively related to length of gestation (r = 0.41 and 0.37, respectively) and birth weight (r = 0.27 and 0.23, respectively). Inverse correlations occurred between infant plasma TFA and DHA concentrations in triacylglycerols (r = -0.33) and between TFA and AA concentrations in cholesteryl esters (r = -0.23). CONCLUSION: The results suggest possible important effects of TFAs and of AA on fetal growth and length of gestation.

Arachidonic Acid↗

Plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine is a more sensitive indicator of cardiovascular disease than plasma homocysteine.

BACKGROUND: Although plasma total homocysteine has been identified as an independent risk factor for vascular disease in a multitude of studies, there is a considerable overlap in values between patients at risk and control subjects. The difference in values can be used to distinguish statistically between the 2 groups, provided each group is large enough; however, discriminating between individual patients at risk and control subjects is difficult. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether the precursor of homocysteine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, is a more sensitive indicator of risk. DESIGN: We measured plasma total homocysteine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine, creatinine, folate, and vitamin B-12 in 30 patients with proven cardiovascular disease and 29 age- and sex-matched control subjects. RESULTS: The homocysteine values (+/-SD) were 12.8 +/- 4.9 (95% CI: 11.0, 14.7) micromol/L for patients and 11.0 +/- 3.2 (9.8, 12.2) micromol/L for control subjects. The S-adenosylhomocysteine values were 40.0 +/- 20.6 (32.3, 47.7) nmol/L for patients and 27.0 +/- 6.7 (24.5, 30.0) nmol/L for control subjects (P = 0.0021). The S-adenosylmethionine values were 121.8 +/- 42.9 (105.8, 137.8) nmol/L for patients and 103.9 +/- 21.8 (95.6, 112.2) nmol/L for control subjects (P = 0.0493). The creatinine values were 110 +/- 27 (97, 120) micromol/L for patients and 97 +/- 9 (80, 100) micromol/L for control subjects (P = 0.0025). Values for folate and vitamin B-12 did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine appears to be a much more sensitive indicator of the difference between patients with cardiovascular disease and control subjects than is homocysteine. Both plasma total homocysteine and S-adenosylhomocysteine are significantly correlated with plasma creatinine in patients.

Adult↗

Antioxidant supplementation does not affect fasting plasma glucose in the Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals (SU.VI.MAX) study in France: association with dietary intake and plasma concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Observational data suggest a protective effect of several antioxidants on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and type 2 diabetes. However, randomized trials have yielded inconsistent results. OBJECTIVES: The first objective was to assess the effect of 7.5 y of antioxidant supplementation on FPG at 7.5 y. The second objective was to examine the epidemiologic association of baseline dietary intakes or plasma antioxidants and FPG (at baseline and at 7.5 y). DESIGN: Subjects (n = 3146) from the Supplementation en Vitamines et Minéraux Antioxydants (SU.VI.MAX) primary prevention trial in France were randomly assigned to receive a daily capsule containing 120 mg vitamin C, 30 mg vitamin E, 6 mg beta-carotene, 100 mug Se, and 20 mg Zn or a placebo. RESULTS: After 7.5 y, no significant difference was observed between age-adjusted mean FPG in men (P = 0.78) and women (P = 0.89) in either group. Baseline beta-carotene dietary intakes and plasma concentrations were inversely associated with FPG in multivariate mixed models (P = 0.0045 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Baseline plasma vitamin C and selenium were negatively (P = 0.0455) and positively (P < 0.0001) associated, respectively, with FPG. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with antioxidants at nutritional doses for 7.5 y had no effect on FPG in men or women who followed a balanced diet. An inverse association of baseline beta-carotene dietary intake and plasma concentrations with FPG was found, probably because beta-carotene is an indirect marker of fruit and vegetable intakes.

Antioxidants↗

Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, and plasma renin activity responses to gradual changes in dietary sodium intake.

The present study examines the responses of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), aldosterone and plasma renin activity to small alterations in dietary sodium intake. Six normotensive subjects were equilibrated on a low sodium intake of 10 mmol/day for 4 days. Dietary sodium intake was then increased gradually by 50 mmol/day to a maximum of 350 mmol/day over a 7 day period. With the gradual increase in sodium intake there were progressive increases in urinary sodium and cumulative sodium balance. These were associated with gradual increases in plasma ANP and reductions in both plasma aldosterone and plasma renin activity. During the study there were no significant changes in blood pressure, urinary potassium and creatinine clearance. This study demonstrates a marked sensitivity of the responses of both the ANP and the renin-aldosterone system to small changes in sodium intake and points to their importance in the renal adaptations to small alterations in dietary sodium intake.

Adult↗

Effect of intrajugular administration of insulin on feed intake, plasma glucose and plasma insulin of sheep.

The effect of intrajugular administration of insulin on feed intake, plasma glucose and plasma insulin of 16 wether sheep was studied. A concentrate ration was fed ad libitum to eight wethers, and a forage ration fed to eight different wethers. For each ration, feed intake of four of the eight wethers was measured in one experiment and blood was sampled from the other four wethers at 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes after injection in a second experiment. The four treatments were saline, 1 mU, 6 mU and 2,000 mU insulin/kg body weight. The highest insulin dose did not affect feed intake of either ration despite producing a marked hypoglycemia, whereas the 6 mU insulin treatment depressed feed intake 1 hour after injection with small changes in concentration of plasma glucose in sheep fed either the concentrate or forage ration. Concentration of plasma insulin was elevated 15 minutes following the 6 mU insulin treatment for the concentrate and forage ration, while 1 mU insulin did not affect plasma insulin. The results of this study suggest a possible role for insulin in the short-term control of feeding in sheep fed either a concentrate or forage ration.

Animal Feed↗

Effects of dietary sodium and chloride on growth, efficiency of feed utilization, plasma electrolytes and plasma basic amino acids in young pigs.

The metabolic and physiological consequences of three dietary levels of sodium (0.02, 0.11 and 0.18%) and chloride (0.10, 0.22 and 0.33%) were investigated. Corn, soybean meal and corn-gluten meal diets were formulated with varying levels of sodium and chloride. Pigs fed 0.02% sodium gained slower and less efficiently than pigs fed higher levels of sodium. Blood pH was not affected by either dietary sodium or chloride. Linear (P less than 0.01) increases in HCO3, base excess (BE) and plasma sodium were observed when dietary sodium increased. hemoglobin, plasma potassium, urea nitrogen, ornithine, lysine and total basic amino acids decreased linearly as dietary sodium increased. Blood hematocrit decreased curvilinearly (P less than 0.05) with increasing dietary sodium. In addition, increasing dietary chloride linearly increased plasma potassium and decreased blood HCO3 and BE. A curvilinear response to dietary chloride was observed for hemoglobin. Dietary sodium influenced pigs' growth and feed utilization as well as plasma electrolytes and basic amino acids. Although dietary chloride did influence plasma potassium and the buffering capacity of the blood, it had no effect on the rate and efficiency of weight gain of the pigs.

Amino Acids↗