Optimum Branched‐Chain Amino Acids Concentration for Improving Protein Catabolism in Severely Stressed Rats

Abstract

In this study, an experiment was performed to investigate the optimal concentration of branched chain amino acid (BCAA) in hyperalimentation to be administered when protein catabolism is accelerated by sepsis or bodily injury. Amino acid solutions containing BCAA 25%, 30%, 40%, 45% and 50% were prepared and were administered iv for three days with other essential amino acid-containing nitrogen in the same volume into rats with peritonitis which had been developed by ligature and puncture at the cecum, and the results were compared. After observing for three days, the influence over nitrogen balance, improvement of 3-methyl-histidine/creatinine in urine, weight loss in muscles, and aminogram in serum and muscles indicated that the hyperalimentation under stress is utilized most effectively when amino acid contains 45% of branched-chain amino acid. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 14:398-403, 1990)