Abstract
The metabolic effects of a phlorizin-induced drainage of glucose were studied in six lactating ewes with or without peroral alanine drenches in a study of crossover design. Phlorizin gave rise to a small, but significant, elevation of plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate. The plasma level of alanine decreased by about 30% due to the phlorizin injections and alanine was negatively correlated to beta-hydroxybutyrate. The plasma level of free fatty acids increased due to phlorizin. Plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were not significantly affected by phlorizin while glucagon level showed a small but significant increase. Peroral alanine drenches to phlorizin-treated ewes gave rise to a transitory elevation of alanine in plasma. The plasma level of free fatty acids was about 40% lower in phlorizin-treated ewes receiving alanine and beta-hydroxybutyrate tended to be lower (P < 0.08). We suggest that beta-hydroxybutyrate, apart from its function as an oxidative fuel, might play an important role by limiting glucose oxidation and protein degradation in skeletal muscles during periods of negative energy balance in ruminants. Furthermore, it is suggested that alanine supplementation decreases lipolysis and ketogenesis in lactating ewes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
