Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the concentrations of ATP, ADP, AMP (HPLC methods), total nucleotide pool (TAN), adenylate energy charge (AEC) and Na+, K+-ATPase erythrocytic activities (by Choi's method) of horses as a function of breed and sex. The studies were conducted on 54 horses (stallions and mares) of different constitution types: breathing constitution (Wielkopolska and Hanoverian breed) and digestive constitution (Ardenian breed). Horse erythrocytes, independently of examined breed, present low ATP concentration in comparison to other mammal species while retaining relatively high AEC. Erythrocytes of breathing constitution type horses appear to have a more intensive glucose metabolism and a more efficient energetic metabolism when compared to digestive constitution type horses. The conclusions may be proven by significantly higher ATP concentration, higher TAN and significantly higher AEC in breathing constitution type horses compared to the digestive constitution type. Sex does not significantly influence adenine nucleotides concentration in the erythrocytes of the examined horses, however, stallions have slightly higher values in comparison to mares. A positive correlation was found between Na+, K+, -ATPase activity, ATP, ADP and AMP concentration and TAN in Wielkopolska and Ardenian breeds, which was not confirmed for the Hanoverian breed.
Highlights
The horse (Equus caballus L.) is the only mammal that went through evolution in the steppes
The study of purine nucleotide metabolism is very important for the understanding of disruptions in energy metabolism as the purine nucleotides participate in most energy-requiring metabolic reactions and act as coenzymes [1, 2]
Characteristic compounds in the erythrocyte energy metabolism are the adenylate nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP) which undergo reversible changes in glycolysis and in pentose phosphate pathway [3, 4]
Summary
The horse (Equus caballus L.) is the only mammal that went through evolution in the steppes. Contemporary horses, selected by man according to his needs or likes, did not loose their elementary cell characteristic of quick energy delivery and high energy consumption This holds true for erythrocytes, which play a key physiological function in oxygen binding and transport to the tissues. Characteristic compounds in the erythrocyte energy metabolism are the adenylate nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP) which undergo reversible changes in glycolysis and in pentose phosphate pathway [3, 4] They are involved in the control of the correct shape of red blood cells, active transport through the membrane, phosphorylation of proteins and phospholipids, and the synthesis of glutathione and pyridine coenzymes ATP plays a significant role in transferring energy within the cell, diffusing from where it is produced to where it is utilized.
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