Content of sulfur amino acids and vitamin B6 and related enzyme activities in rats with chronic renal failure fed a high methionine diet.

Abstract

The effect of concentrations of sulfur-containing amino acids, activities of cystathionine gamma-lyase and cystathionine beta-synthase, and level of vitamin B6 were examined following menthionine administration in normal rats and chronically uremic rats with 7/8 nephrectomy. In the uremic rats, the serum levels of methionine, cystathionine, cysteine and taurine increased in proportion to the amounts of methionine administered. The increase of taurine content in the serum and liver was particularly marked. Cystathionine beta-synthase activity in the liver increased with the administration, but the serum level of pyridoxal phosphate decreased markedly. The body weight gain of rats decreased with the administration, and the contents of urea and creatinine in serum increased. Thus, vitamin B6 deficiency in chronically uremic rats administered with large amounts of methionine may reduce growth, lower renal function and cause abnormal metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids.