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Features of amino acid metabolism in Moniliformis moniliformis (Acanthocephala) in vitro

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

P. F. V. Ward
Affiliation:
Department of Parasitology, The Molteno Institute, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EE
D. W. T. Crompton*
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ
*
*Reprint requests: Professor D. W. T. Crompton, Department of Zoology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ.

Extract

Experiments to investigate the metabolism of glycine, L-glutamic acid and L-aspartic acid by Moniliformis moniliformis were carried out by incubating adult worms aerobically for 3 h at 37°C in Tyrode's solution containing either [U-14C]glycine, L-[U-14C]glutamic acid, L-[U-14C]aspartic acid or L-[4-14C]aspartic acid. Much of the glycine and glutamic acid was absorbed by the worms, but little of either was metabolized. Aspartic acid was readily taken up and metabolized. After incubating with L[U-14C]aspartic acid, most radioactivity was found in ethanol and a volatile compound, presumed to be carbon dioxide, with smaller amounts in lactate, alanine, acetate, malate, glucose and succinate. After incubating with L-[4-14C]aspartic acid, most radioactivity was found in lactate and the presumed CO2 with small amounts in alanine, malate and succinate. No radioactivity was found associated with ethanol or acetate. Possible metabolic pathways and suggestions for a relationship between the metabolism of aspartate with that of alanine and serine in this parasite are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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