American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism
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Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. · Oct 2006
Route of administration (enteral or parenteral) affects the contribution of L-glutamine to de novo L-arginine synthesis in mice: a stable-isotope study.
A pathway from enteral L-glutamine as substrate for L-arginine synthesis is suggested by previous studies. L-Glutamine and L-glutamine dipeptides exhibit numerous beneficial effects in experimental and clinical studies. In trauma patients, enteral L-glutamine supply increased plasma L-arginine. ⋯ L-Glutamine was converted to L-citrulline and L-arginine when L-[2-(15)N]glutamine and L-alanyl-L-[2-(15)N]glutamine were given by enteral or parenteral route. The contribution of L-glutamine to the de novo synthesis of L-citrulline and L-arginine was higher in the enteral groups when compared with the intravenous groups (P < 0.005). Therefore, the route of administration (enteral or parenteral) affects the contribution of L-glutamine, provided as free molecule or dipeptide, to the de novo synthesis of L-arginine in mice.