Incorporation of [U-14 C]glucose into metabolites of brain, liver and blood of rats pretreated with reserpine or phenothiazines.

ABSTRACT

Parkinsonism was induced in rats by using phenothiazines (Butyrylperazin and Thioproperazin). (P-group), or reserpine, (R-group). [U-14 C)D-glucose was administered when the symptoms of Parkinsonism had become fully developed. Concentrations and radioactivities of different metabolites were studied in brain, liver and blood serum. 1. Both types of treatments resulted in a decrease in the synthesis of amino acids from [14C]glucose in the brain. The concentrations of amino acids and the glycogen remained uneffected. Phenothiazines enhanced the conversion of lipids, while reserpine increased their concentration. 2. Reduced de novo synthesis of amino acids was recorded in the liver. Phenothiazines resulted in the storage of glycogen and lipids; reserpine resulted in the storage of lipids and enhanced the conversion of glycogen. 3. Both treatments caused a fall in the amino acid concentration of the blood serum. A rise in the specific radioactivity of blood amino acids was observed in the P-group, while a decrease in specific radioactivity was observed in the R-group. A hyperglycemia was induced in the R-group with reduced specific radioactivity of glucose in both P-and R-groups. A reduction in lipid concentration of blood serum was achieved with an increased specific radioactivity in P-group and decreased radioactivity in R-group. 4. The changes in amino acids common to both treatments are also observed in human Parkinsonism.