Liver enzymes of serine metabolism during neonatal development of the rat

Abstract

The developmental patterns of L-serine hydroxymethyltransferase (EC 2.1.2.1), L-phosphoserine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.52), L-serine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.51) and L-serine dehydratase (EC 4.2.1.13) were determined in rat liver. The results point to an increased capacity for serine biosynthesis de novo in the perinatal period. Serine at this time, and also at weaning, may serve as a precursor, via the serine hydroxymethyltransferase reaction, for nucleotide biosynthesis to support the rapid phases of liver growth. The role of the alternative pathways of serine metabolism during neonatal development is discussed.