Abstract
The plasma levels of inorganic sulfate(SO4)and most sulfur containing amino acids are known to be elevated in uremia(U). Taurine(Tau)is important for the regulation of neuromuscular functions, especially in the heart, where it comprises 75% of all amino acids. In order to investigate the role of SO4 and Tau in U bilateral nephrectomy(NX) was performed in 38 rats. SO4 and Tau concentrations in plasma and various organs were determined 12,24 and 48 hrs after NX and compared to sham operated and normal rats. In NX rats mean SO4 rose linearly in plasma(0.9 to 7.8 mmol/1) and less in liver(0.6 to 3.2 mmol/g wet wt.). The increase was only × 2.0 in skeletal muscle and × 1.5 in brain. A close correlation was found between plasma SO4 and creatinine(r=0.92). Tau levels increased in plasma from 0.2 to 0.5 μmol/ml and in liver from 2.0 to 7.2 μmol/g wet wt., but decreased in the heart from 26.0 to 21.0 μmol/g wet wt. (p <0.01) and remained constant in skeletal muscle and brain.
In conclusion, intracellular changes of SO4 and Tau are not reflected by plasma levels. The apparent efflux of Tau from the heart of NX rats might be related to the pathogenesis of uremic heart disease.
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Michalk, D., Essich, H., Lutz, P. et al. SULFATE AND TAURINE METABOLISM IN EXPERIMENTAL UREMIA. Pediatr Res 14, 1006 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00195
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198008000-00195