Utilization of N-acetyl-L-tryptophan given intravenously to unrestrained adult rats

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1980;26(4):381-8. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.26.381.

Abstract

The nutritional value of N-acetyl-L-tryptophan (NALT) given intravenously was examined in unrestrained adult rats. They were given solutions of 4% Vuj pattern amino acids, 24.5% glucose, vitamins and electrolytes intravenously for 10 days. They were divided into three groups; one group was then injected intravenously with complete amino acid solution (T group), one with tryptophan-free amino acid solution (TF group) and one group with complete amino acid solution but with NALT instead of tryptophan (NALT). The biological value of the NALT group was 49.6; this value corresponded to 90% of that of the T group. Excretion of injected amino acids totalled about 2.0 to 3.0% in this experiment. The effects of NALT on carcass composition, certain blood constituents and tryptophan pyrrolase activity in the liver were also examined.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Amino Acids / urine
  • Animals
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Nitrogen / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Tryptophan / administration & dosage
  • Tryptophan / analogs & derivatives*
  • Tryptophan / metabolism
  • Tryptophan Oxygenase / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • N-acetyltryptophan
  • Tryptophan
  • Tryptophan Oxygenase
  • Nitrogen