Nutritional aspects of high-altitude exposure in women.

The nutrient intake and urinary excretion characteristics of eight young university women were studied over a 4-day period at low altitude (140 m) and subsequently over a 7-day sojourn on Pikes Peak (4,300 m). High-altitude exposure was associated with a transient decrease in the consumption of protein, carbohydrate, fat, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, riboflavin, thiamin, and niacin and a more sustained decrease in the consumption of potassium and ascorbic acid. In most instances minimal values were observed during the first 3 days of exposure. The carbohydrate fraction of energy intake was increased at the expense of fat during this time period. Individual hypophagic responses appeared to be related to severity of acute mountain sickness. Altitude had no effect on water consumption but did lead to an average body weight loss of 1 kg. Urinary measurements revealed a marked oliguria during the entire sojourn. These measurements also showed the first 3 days to be associated with a net loss of body nitrogen and sodium. During this time period body potassium and phosphorus were conserved, and probably increased. The urea fraction of body potassium and phosphorus were conserved, and probably increased. The urea fraction of total urinary nitrogen was not affected by altitude exposure, nor was the daily excretion of uric acid and creatinine. Ammonia excretion, however, was reduced to 50% of the low-altitude value and remained at this level throughout the sojourn. With a few exceptions, the qualitative characteristics of altitude hypophagia in women were similar to those reported for men. Quantitatively, however, the responses were much more transient in women.

Sequential changes in alanine metabolism following partial hepatectomy in the rat.

After partial hepatectomy, the liver undergoes an array of metabolic changes until regeneration is complete. Since carbons derived from alanine can be incorporated into most metabolic pools, we studied the metabolism of (14)C-labeled alanine during the early phase of regeneration. Sham operated (controls) and partially hepatectomized rats weighing about 200 g each were injected intraperitoneally with 1-[U-(14)C]alanine at 9, 18, and 36 hours after surgery. The animals were killed 2 hours after injection. Compared to the controls, alanine oxidation was markedly depressed (P < 0.05) in the 9- and 18-hour groups, but was restored in the 36-hour group. The specific activity of plasma glucose and hepatic glycogen was elevated 9 and 18 hours after partial hepatectomy. There was a corresponding increase in the activities of fructose-1,6-diphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Hepatic protein specific activity increased by 30, 74, and 120%, respectively 9, 18, and 36 hours after partial hepatectomy. Hepatic fatty acids followed a similar pattern. In a separate set of experiments, the distribution of radioactivity in glutamic acid was measured. The results showed that alanine carbons enter the citric acid cycle primarily via the acetyl CoA pathway in the controls, but via the oxaloacetate pathway in partially hepatectomized rats. The results demonstrate significant changes in the activities of metabolic pathways of alanine in the early phase of hepatic regeneration.

Free radical-mediated lung response to the monofunctional sulfur mustard butyl 2-chloroethyl sulfide after subcutaneous injection.

Vesicant-induced pathogenesis is initiated by rapid alkylation and cross-linking of DNA purine bases causing strand breaks leading subsequently to NAD depletion and cell death. We postulated that vesicants may also be associated with free radical-mediated oxidative stress distal to the site of exposure. To test this postulate in the lung, we injected 3 groups (n = 8) of 5-month-old, male, athymic, nude mice, weighing 30-35 g with a single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection (5 microliters/mouse) of butyl 2-chloroethyl sulfide (BCS), a monofunctional sulfur mustard analog. After 1, 24 and 48 h, we euthanized the treated mice along with 2 untreated control mice at each time point. We then pooled the control mice in one group (n = 6) and analyzed the lungs for biochemical indices of oxidative stress. We found that total lung weight was not altered after treatment, but wet/dry weight ratio decreased 18% (P less than 0.05) and hemoglobin content increased 50% and 36% at 1 and 24 h, respectively. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase increased significantly, 40% at 1 and 24 h and 84% at 48 h and that of glutathione S-transferases was 60%, P less than 0.05 greater at all time points. Lipid peroxidation (estimated by the thiobarbituric acid test) and total protein content increased 3-fold and 2-fold, at 1 and 24 h, respectively. Total and oxidized glutathione contents were significantly elevated, 38% at 1 h and 64% at 24 h for the former and 45% at 24 h and 56% at 48 h for the latter. Because these changes are consistent with the cellular response to oxidative stress, we conclude that BCS injected subcutaneously, can cause changes in the lung possibly via a free radical-mediated mechanism.

Response of mouse brain to a single subcutaneous injection of the monofunctional sulfur mustard, butyl 2-chloroethyl sulfide (BCS)*.

Exposure to mustard-type vesicants results in alkylation of DNA and vesication. However, the biochemical mechanism for vesicant injury and whether it is localized or diffuse are not clear. We postulated that vesicant damage is mediated by free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. These free radicals-mediated reactions may propagate systemically distal to the site of exposure. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of a single subcutaneous injection of the monofunctional sulfur mustard, butyl 2-chloroethyl sulfide (BCS), on the brain. We injected 3 groups (6 mice/group) of 5-month-old male, athymic, nude mice, weighing 30-35 g, subcutaneously with neat (undiluted) BCS (5 microliters/mouse). After 1, 24, and 48 h, we sacrificed the treated mice along with an untreated control group and analyzed the brains for biochemical markers of oxidative stress. Compared to untreated controls, the activity of glutathione peroxidase increased by 76%, P less than 0.005 at 24 h, and that of glutathione S-transferases by 25-37%, P less than 0.05 over the entire period. Total glutathione content in the brain was significantly lower, 17%, after 1 h and 23% after 24 h. We found also, concomitant with decreased glutathione, almost a 3-fold increase in susceptibility to lipid peroxidation. Because these changes are consistent with oxidative stress, we conclude that the effect of BCS administered subcutaneously may be translocated, reaching mouse brain, and causing oxidative stress.

Dermal penetration and systemic distribution of 14C-labeled vitamin E in human skin grafted athymic nude mice.

In vivo percutaneous penetration and tissue distribution of 14C-labeled vitamin E applied to human skin grafted onto athymic nude mice were determined. At 1 hr, mouse skin contained the highest level of radioactivity, followed by the muscle, blood, liver, lung, adipose tissue, spleen, kidney, brain, heart, and eyes. A linear increase with time in tissue radioactivity was observed throughout the 24 hr experimental period. At 4 and 24 hrs skin grafts were highly radioactive. At 4 hrs the epidermis and the upper portion of the dermis contained more radioactivity than the remaining portion of the dermis. In contrast, at 24 hrs the highest level of radioactivity was detected in the lower dermis. No radioactivity was detected in expired air while 0.2% of the dose was found in the urine. The data show that vitamin E does penetrate skin and that the dermis acts as a barrier or reservoir for this highly lipophilic compound.

Oxidation of 1-14C-ascorbic acid in the guinea pig: effect of the route of administration.

Twenty-four hours after the administration of (1-14C)-ascorbic acid to guinea pigs by oral, intraperitoneal or intracardiac routes, 14CO2 expired levels were 22.6 plus or minus 1.8, 17.6 plus or minus 1.4 and 14.4 plus or minus 0.6 percent, respectively, of the administered radioactive doses. Whole blood concentrations of ascorbic acid were 80.2 plus or minus 2 micrograms per ml and, in general they were inversely related to expired 14CO2 production, which in turn reflects the degree of ascorbic acid catabolism in ascorbic acid adequate animals. Regardless of the route of (1-14C)-ascorbic acid administration, there was a biphasic pattern of 14CO2 evolution; the first peak occurs at two hours and the second peak at five hours after administration of the doses. Thin layer chromatography analysis of (1-14C)-ascorbic acid verified the reagent's purity. In vitro isolated stomach content and intestinal content experiments illustrated that at least 1-2% of the expired 14CO2 might also result from enterohepatic circulation of the label.

In vivo effects of glucagon on fatty acid synthesis in fasted and refed rats.

Since altered nutritional states evoke compensatory changes in systemic levels of several hormones, the present study was conducted to determine in vivo effects of glucagon and insulin on hepatic and adipose tissue lipogenesis in fed, fasted (3-days) and refed (3-days) rats. Compared to the fed controls, glucagon reduced hepatic fatty acid synthesis and acetyl CoA carboxylase activity by 62% and 65% in fed rats, and by 51% and 48%, respectively, in refed rats. In contrast, glucagon had no effect on fatty acid synthesis or acetyl CoA carboxylase activity in adipose tissue of any of the three experimental groups. Exogenous insulin antagonized the glucagon effects and restored hepatic fatty acid synthesis and enzyme activity in fed or refed rats. No glucagon or insulin effects were observed in fasting rats. In addition, glucagon reduced in vivo incorporation of acetate into hepatic cholesterol by about 33% and into fatty acids of the liver, and heart and the kidney by 33%, 77% and 30%, respectively. The hormone had no effect on fatty acid synthesis in the muscle.

Differential response of rat brown and white adipose tissue to environmental or nutritional stress.

1. In vivo fatty acid synthesis by brown adipose tissue was enhanced in rats exposed to cold (5 degrees C) or altitude (4300 m) for 7 days but was unaltered in rats exposed to heat (35 degrees C) for an equivalent period. In vivo fatty acid synthesis by white adipose tissue was depressed by cold exposure while altitude and heat exposure had no effect. 2. In vitro, CO2 production and lipid synthesis were elevated in brown adipose tissue from rats fasted for 4 days. Refeeding (4 days) such rats reversed these effects, leading to depressed values relative to those of control rats. In contrast, these metabolic events in white adipose tissue were decreased by fasting and increased compared to controls during subsequent refeeding.

Metabolic alterations induced by topical dimethylacetylenedicarboxylate.

The disposition of topical dimethylacetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) in tissue and its effect on glucose metabolism were studied in vivo, using skin grafted athymic nude mice, and in vitro, using excised pig skin. [14C]DMAD that penetrated skin grafts was distributed throughout the body. At 24 hr, the liver contained 15.62% of the applied dose. The kidneys, lungs, brain, and the heart contained 12.73, 5.61, 0.36, and 3.24% of the dose, respectively. One hour postapplication, DMAD markedly decreased [U-14C]glucose oxidation and the syntheses of fatty acids and glycogen in the livers and skin grafts. Similar effects were observed in excised pig skin. In addition, the activities of hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, isocitric and NADP-malic dehydrogenase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase were significantly reduced in DMAD-treated mice. In contrast, no effect was observed on the activity of glucokinase. The data indicate that DMAD rapidly penetrates the skin and causes aberrations in the activities of the glycogenic, lipogenic, and tricarboxylic acid metabolic pathways.

Distribution and metabolism of topically applied ethanolamine.

The distribution and metabolism of topical [14C]ethanolamine was studied in vivo, using athymic nude mice, human skin grafted onto athymic nude mice, and in vitro, using excised pig skin. Ethanolamine was the only radioactive phospholipid base detected in the human skin grafts, in the mouse skin, and in the pig skin. Ethanolamine that penetrated human skin grafts or mouse skin was extensively metabolized in the animal. The liver is a major site for metabolism of ethanolamine, containing over 24% of the applied radioactive dose. The kidneys, lungs, brain, and the heart contained 2.53, 0.55, 0.27, and 0.15% of the dose, respectively. The hepatic phospholipid bases, ethanolamine, choline, and serine, were all highly radioactive. Hepatic, human skin graft, and mouse skin proteins were also highly radioactive. Over 18% of the topical radioactive dose was oxidized to 14CO2 and 4.6% was excreted in the urine over 24 hr. Urea, glycine, serine, choline, and uric acid were the urinary metabolites of ethanolamine. In vitro data showed that a relatively small percentage of the applied dose was lost from the skin by evaporation and percutaneous penetration. The bulk of the dose remained in the epidermis. Radiometric and enzymatic assays suggest that ethanolamine enhances the hydrolysis of topically applied diisopropylfluorophosphate.

Metabolic changes in the mouse kidney after subcutaneous injection of butyl 2-chloroethyl sulfide.

Subcutaneous exposure to vesicants such as butyl 2-chloroethyl sulfide (butyl mustard, BCS) produces local tissue injury (vesication) primarily by alkylation and cross-linking of the purine nucleotides and rapidly binding to proteins. We recently reported that administering BCS can cause other biochemical and morphological alterations, not only in tissues at the injection site but in other areas as well. In this study, we have examined the metabolic effects of BCS administration on the mouse kidney. At 1, 24, and 48 h after injection (5 microliters neat, sc), treated mice were terminated along with an untreated control group, and the kidneys were analyzed for metabolic changes. Glutathione (GSH) peroxidase (GPx) activity markedly increased, (+78 and +85%), but NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase activity decreased (-43 and -37%) at 1 and 24 h, respectively. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) remained unchanged at 1 and 24 h, but increased 20% (p less than .05) at 48 h after injection. Kidney glutathione S-transferase (GST) was increased at 24 h after injection. Both total and oxidized GSH levels were significantly lower than control values (approximately 30%) at all time points. Lipid peroxidation, as estimated by the thiobarbituric (TBA) acid-reactive products, was 45% lower (p less than .05) after 1 h. Kidney GPx, G6PD, and GT activities and kidney GSH levels were consistent with changes associated with oxidative stress or detoxication mechanism for BCS. The decrease in TBA-reactive products suggests that mouse kidney metabolic response to BCS injection was different from responses observed for other organs (eyes, brain, and lung).

Gluconeogenic response to mannoheptulose in the rat.

Since administration of mannoheptulose induces temporary hyperglycemia, the present study was conducted to elucidate this phenomenon. The results indicate that mannoheptulose stimulates the activity of hepatic fructose-1,6-diphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and enhances incorporation of alanine into blood glucose and hepatic glycogen. In addition, mannoheptulose increases plasma levels of glucagon and hepatic cyclic AMP concentration. Gluconeogenic effects of mannoheptulose appear to be mediated by glucagon.

Metabolic responses to prolonged fasting and subsequent refeeding in the pig.

Metabolic responses associated with prolonged fasting and subsequent refeeding of pigs were investigated. Fasting for 14 or 28 days produced significant increases in serum levels of alanine, aspartic and glutamic acid in the three branched-chain amino acids. Glycine, serine and lysine levels were elevated after 28 days of fasting while the levels of histidine, methionine, threonine and phenylalanine were reduced. Fasting markedly stimulated hepatic and renal gluconeogenesis and the activity of the urea cycle enzymes. Fatty acid synthesis and glucose oxidation were virtually abolished in hepatic and adipose tissue in pigs subjected to a 14- or 28-day fast. After the first day of refeeding, the levels of amino acids returned to the control values. The activity of the hepatic urea cycle enzymes, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase remained elevated after the first day of refeeding but returned to the control levels thereafter. The activity of hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase and acetyl CoA carboxylase were slightly enhanced in pigs refed for 4 and 8 days. The activity of these enzymes in adipose tissue was enhanced 8 days after refeeding. Hepatic synthesis of fatty acids from glucose was slightly stimulated in refed pigs on days 4 and 8 but returned to control values on day 16. Refeeding did not enhance glucose incorporation into fatty acids in adipose tissue above the values observed in fed controls.

Adaptation of protein metabolism to endurance training. Increased amino acid oxidation in response to training.

This study was conducted to investigate alterations in excretion of urea and total nitrogen after6-8 weeks of daily exercise and to establish if the capacity for amino acid oxidation in muscle is influenced by endurance training. Urea nitrogen excretion was increased in trained compared with untrained rats and nitrogen balance was less positive in trained than in untrained rats. Increased [14C]leucine oxidation with training was observed both in vivo and in vitro. The results of this study demonstrate that amino acid catabolism is increased during exercise training and that the muscle enzymes involved in leucine oxidation adapt to endurance training in a manner similar to the enzymes of carbohydrate and fat catabolism.