Gender and pregnancy effects on β-glucosidase activity toward pyridoxine-5′-β-D-glucoside in rats

Abstract

Pyridoxine-5′-β-D-glucoside (PNG) has been shown to be poorly utilized in male rats and men; however, in pregnant rats, the utilization of PNG appears to be similar to that of pyridoxine (PN). This research was conducted to determine the effects of gender and pregnancy on β-glucosidase activity in catalyzing the hydrolysis of PNG to PN. In particular, the activity of β-glucosidase in the liver and small intestine of male, nonpregnant female and pregnant rats, as well as in fetal tissue, was measured. Enzyme activity was measured by the rate of disappearance of PNG. In the liver, enzyme activity in pregnant rats was significantly higher than that in nonpregnant female rats, while the enzyme activity in male rats was not detectable. In the small intestine, enzyme activity was again significantly higher in pregnant rats compared to that in nonpregnant rats, as well as male rats. β-glucosidase activity towards PNG was measurable in fetal tissue. The results of this study suggest that β-glucosidase activity towards PNG is greater in female rats which is enhanced during pregnancy.