Oxidation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in cobalamin-inactivated rats. |
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Authors: | M Lumb R Deacon J Perry and I Chanarin |
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Institution: | M.R.C. Clinical Research Centre, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middx., U.K. |
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Abstract: | Rats were exposed to nitrous oxide, which inactivates cob(I)alamin (Cbl). As in air-breathing rats methionine administration led to the conversion of hepatic 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (MeH4 folate) into formyltetrahydrofolate. The recovery of MeH4 folate levels in liver after its oxidation initiated by methionine was noted and the rate compared with that for air-breathing rats. Oxidation of MeH4 folate was less complete and occurred more slowly in Cbl-inactivated rats as compared with controls. However, recovery of MeH4 folate levels was more rapid in Cbl inactivation. S-Adenosylmethionine did not produce a significant change in MeH4 folate levels in Cbl-inactivated rats, whereas it did so in air-breathing animals. |
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