Abstract
Carnitine metabolism was examined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Carnitine levels were elevated by 25% in hypertrophied hearts of 10- and 15-wk-old SHR when compared with Wistar-Kyoto (WKy) controls. This elevation was associated with a greater than 25% increase in total serum carnitine. The elevated serum carnitine does not appear to be due to increased mobilization from skeletal muscle because carnitine levels were elevated by 25% in gastrocnemius and diaphragm of SHR. Elevated serum carnitine is also not a result of reduced urinary excretion because daily urinary carnitine output was increased by 150% in SHR. These findings suggest that the most likely mechanisms for increased serum carnitine is increased carnitine synthesis by the liver. The changes in carnitine metabolism in SHR appear to occur between 5 and 10 wk of age, because the carnitine levels in serum and organs were comparable in 5-wk-old WKy and SHR. The observed alterations in tissue and serum carnitine levels may result in altered fatty acid utilization in SHR.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | E183-E186 |
Journal | American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - Jan 1 1985 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Physiology
- Physiology (medical)