Elevated urinary excretion of orotic acid in sheep caused by intraruminal infusion of sodium propionate.

1. The effect of sodium propionate on urinary excretion of orotic acid was investigated. 2. Solutions containing sodium propionate or NaCl, 750 mM/day each, were continuously infused into the rumen for 10 days. 3. During NaCl infusion, an urinary orotic acid excretion of 290 +/- 80 micrograms/day was noted. The intraruminal infusion of sodium propionate raised the concentration of propionic acid in the rumen fluid from 14.0 +/- 0.9 to 26.9 +/- 1.9 mM. 4. During this experimental period the excretion of orotic acid via urine significantly increased to 492 +/- 30 micrograms/day. Parameters of nitrogen balance were not altered by propionate. 5. It is suggested that the site of propionate action in intact sheep is in the pyrimidine synthesis pathway.