Chronic Fetal Leucine Infusion Increases Rate of Leucine Oxidation but Not of Protein Synthesis in Late Gestation Fetal Sheep.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leucine increases protein synthesis rates in postnatal animals and adults. Whether supplemental leucine has similar effects in the fetus has not been determined.

Objective

To determine the effect of a chronic leucine infusion on whole-body leucine oxidation and protein metabolic rates, muscle mass, and regulators of muscle protein synthesis in late gestation fetal sheep.

Methods

Catheterized fetal sheep at ∼126 d of gestation (term = 147 d) received infusions of saline (CON, n = 11) or leucine (LEU; n = 9) adjusted to increase fetal plasma leucine concentrations by 50%-100% for 9 d. Umbilical substrate net uptake rates and protein metabolic rates were determined using a 1-¹³C leucine tracer. Myofiber myosin heavy chain (MHC) type and area, expres

SUBMITTER: Rozance PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10196590 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature