Changes in activities of enzymes related to malate-aspartate shuttle in leukocytes from dogs given a herb supplement

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 63; no. 6; pp. 695 - 697
• Main Authors: Arai, T. (Nippon Veterinary and Zootechnical Coll., Musashino, Tokyo (Japan)), Takahashi, M, Kamata, S, Sako, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.06.2001; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases - blood; Aspartic Acid - blood; Blood Glucose - drug effects; Blood Glucose - metabolism; canine; Dietary Supplements; DOGS; Dogs - metabolism; Drugs, Chinese Herbal - pharmacology; ENZYME ACTIVITY; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified - blood; FEEDING; Female; Glutamate Dehydrogenase - blood; herb; HERBACEOUS PLANTS; Insulin - blood; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase - blood; LEUKOCYTES; Leukocytes - enzymology; Malate Dehydrogenase - blood; malate-aspartate shuttle; MALATES; Malates - blood; Male; NAD - blood; Triglycerides - blood
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.63.695

Changes in activities of enzymes related to the malate-aspartate shuttle were measured in leukocytes (WBC) from dogs given food supplemented with 2 mg/kg of herb powder, Echevaria glauca, every day for 4 weeks. There were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of glucose, immunoreactive insulin, free fatty acids and triglyceride between dogs given food with or without the herb supplementation. Activities of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the malate-aspartate shuttle increased remarkably in mitochondria of WBC from dogs fed the herb supplementation. It is suggested that Echevaria glauca herb supplementation might activate NADH shuttle systems and mitochondrial energy metabolism in dogs.