Adenine nucleotide content of human liver. Normal values and fructose-induced depletion.

A method is described for the determination of metabolites in liver biopsy samples. Normal values of lactate, pyruvate, and adenine nucleotide content of human liver are presented. Infusion of D-fructose, 5.9 mmol9kg-minus l.h-minus l, for 70 min resulted in a 22.5 per cent decrease of the adenine nucleotide pool (mainly by ATP depletion), increased content of fructose 1-phosphate, lactate, and pyruvate. The extent of adenine nucleotide depletion varied greatly between subjects and appeared related to the degree of increase in plasma urate. Infusion of glucose at the same rate did not affect the hepatic content of adenine nucleotides.