Effect of metal ions on in vitro gluconeogenesis in rat kidney cortex slices

¹ Section of Clinical Investigation, Presbyterian Hospital, and Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The effect of metal ions on glucose formation from amino acids and glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates has been examined in rat kidney cortex slices in vitro. Of the metals tested, only Mn⁺⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ have been shown to be stimulatory, while Zn⁺⁺, Cu⁺⁺, and Cd⁺⁺ are inhibitory. The case of Mn⁺⁺ activation is of particular interest because Mg⁺⁺ ions are inactive in this system, despite the similarities usually observed in the in vitro systems. The stimulation of gluconeogenesis from -keto acids is comparable for both Ca⁺⁺ and Mn⁺⁺, in contrast to the lack of a Mn⁺⁺ effect with the homologous l--amino acids. Evidence is presented as to the possible significance of metal ions in regulating carbohydrate metabolism.

Key Words: trace metals

Submitted on February 26, 1964

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