V. A. Gazola, G. Lopes, R. Dias
Apr 1, 2001
Citations
0
Influential Citations
6
Citations
Journal
Acta pharmacologica Sinica
Abstract
AIM To compare the effects of chronic supplementation with l-carnitine (LCT) and dl-carnitine (DLC) on ammonia toxicity and hepatic metabolism. METHODS Three groups of male adult rats were studied: 1) supplemented with LCT (1.2 mmol . kg-1 . d-1), 2) supplemented with DLC (1.2 mmol . kg-1. d-1), and 3) control group (COG) not supplemented. RESULTS The treatment with LCT decreased the toxicity to ammonia. However, the supplementation with DLC did not show any significant effect. In contrast, the effects of the supplementation with LCT and DLC on hepatic metabolism were quite similar, ie, both groups showed: (a) intensified ammonia uptake and decreased urea production from ammonia; (b) increased glucose and urea production from L-glutamine (5 mmol/L). CONCLUSION The results suggested that LCT supplementation might protect against ammonia toxicity by extra-hepatic mechanisms.