Amino acid uptake and incorporation into macromolecules of peripheral nerves.

Abstract

Abstract— The uptake and incorporation of various isotopically labelled amino acids by the amphibian peripheral nerve were analysed within 5 to 24 hr after intraperitoneal injection. Amino acid was accumulated rapidly by nerve and some was incorporated into macromolecules. Nerve separated by transection from its cell bodies showed similar accumulation and incorporation. The uptake by nerve was found to be as high as that for brain and liver. A substantial amount of the isotope was recovered in the protein fraction of peripheral nerve. A lesser, but significant, amount was isolated with aminoacyl‐tRNA. The contribution of specific amino acids to the nucleic acid and lipid fractions was also assessed. Finally, the significance of our findings in the understanding of nerve metabolism is discussed.