EFFECT OF DIETARY METHIONINE LEVEL ON ANSER INE AND CARNOSINE CONTENTS IN THE GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCLE OF RAT

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Anserine and carnosine in the muscle of growing rats were measured to explore the effect of dietary methionine. Carnosine was reduced in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats fed on a methionine-free diet. After refeeding on methionine for one week, carnosine in the muscle approached to the normal level. In contrast, anserine increased in the muscle of rats fed on a methionine-free diet. Anserine also increased in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats fed on a methionine-excess diet, whereas carnosine did not vary. N^π-Methylhistidine was detected in the muscle of rats fed on a methionine-excess diet. Moreover, N^π-methylhistidine and Nt methylhistidine in the urine increased in the rats fed on both methionine excess and methionine-free diets. Carnosine in the gastrocnemius muscle was not affected by a ethionine diet nor by a orotic acid diet which induced fatty liver. However, anserine increased in the muscle of rats fed on a ethionine diet.