Abstract
1. 1. To determine the redox state of the mitochondrial NAD system in cirrhosis of the liver and in chronic quantitative undernutrition, the substrates of the l-glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.2) and d-β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.30) reactions were measured. The livers of animals fed ad libitum served as controls. 2. 2. Assuming these substrates to be in equilibrium, the NAD +/NADH ratio calculated from the substrates of the l-glutamate dehydrogenase reaction was lower in all three groups of animals than that calculated from the d-β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase reaction. On the other hand, the ratio ([β- hydroxybutyrate] × [α- ketoglutarate] × [ NH 4 +]) ([ acetoacetate] × [ glutamate]) was similar in all three groups of animals. 3. 3. These data suggest that in these animals the mitochondrial NAD +-NADH system is in equilibrium provided a H + concentration gradient can be postulated between the sites of d-β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and l-glutamate dehydrogenase.
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