Abstract

The metabolic effects of a phlorizin-induced drainage of glucose were studied in six lactating ewes with or without peroral alanine drenches in a study of crossover design. Phlorizin gave rise to a small, but significant, elevation of plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate. The plasma level of alanine decreased by about 30% due to the phlorizin injections and alanine was negatively correlated to beta-hydroxybutyrate. The plasma level of free fatty acids increased due to phlorizin. Plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were not significantly affected by phlorizin while glucagon level showed a small but significant increase. Peroral alanine drenches to phlorizin-treated ewes gave rise to a transitory elevation of alanine in plasma. The plasma level of free fatty acids was about 40 % lower in phlorizin-treated ewes receiving alanine and beta-hydroxybutyrate tended to be lower (P < 0.08). We suggest that beta-hydroxybutyrate, apart from its function as an oxidative fuel, might play an important role by limiting glucose oxidation and protein degradation in skeletal muscles during periods of negative energy balance in ruminants. Furthermore, it is suggested that alanine supplementation decreases lipolysis and ketogenesis in lactating ewes.

Keywords

alanine; pancreas; beta-hydroxybutyrate

Published in

British Journal of Nutrition
1997, Volume: 78, number: 5, pages: 805-813
Publisher: C A B INTERNATIONAL

SLU Authors

• Holtenius, Kjell

  • Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Holtenius, Paul

  • Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN19970196

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/86605