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Alterations in glycosaminoglycan metabolism in β-aminopropionitrile-treated chick embryos

Year: 1973

Type: article

Abstract: 1. Na(2) (35)SO(4), [1-(14)C]glucosamine and [1-(14)C]acetate were used as precursors of the sulphated glycosaminoglycans to study the biochemical effect of beta-aminopropionitrile in chick embryos. The incorporation of all three precursors was decreased in the treated embryos between days 7 and 10 of embryonic development. No inhibition of incorporation of these precursors occurred between days 16 and 20 of embryonic development at the dosages of beta-aminopropionitrile used. 2. beta-Aminopropionitrile treatment also decreased the amount of N-acetylhexosamines in the chick embryo and decreased the percentage of the hexosamine esterified by nucleotides. Respiration was decreased by homogenates prepared from treated embryos. Likewise, UDP-xylosyl- and UDP-galactosyl-transferase activities were decreased in treated embryos and cartilage from embryos and growing chicks. 3. The data suggest that beta-aminopropionitrile, in addition to the known lathyrogenic activity, either is or gives rise to a potent metabolic poison that interferes with basic cellular metabolism. The results are consistent with a decreased rate of ATP generation as an explanation for the decrease in glycosaminoglycan synthesis.

Source: Biochemical Journal

DOI: 10.1042/bj1360985

Authors: M. Joycelyn Elders, James D. Smith, W. Grady Smith, Edwin R. Hughes

Institutions: West Virginia University, University of Arkansas Medical Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans research

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: U.S. Public Health Service