Comparison of monoglyceryl acetoacetate and glucose as parental energy substrate after experimental trauma.

The effects of ketone bodies and glucose on nitrogen balance and liver protein synthesis were studied in rat after experimental trauma. Energy was delivered intravenously as either monoglyceryl acetoacetate (MA; 87.5% of total energy input) or glucose (G). The isocaloric infusions (132 kcal/kg/day) were started after recovery from anaesthesia and continued for 2 days. The liver protein synthesis was then measured in vitro by perfusion with 14C-leucine. The infusion of MA resulted in a more negative cumulative nitrogen balance (MA: -2.31 +/- 0.26 g N/kg, G: -1.32 +/- 0.43 g N/kg/48 h; mean +/- SD) and liver protein synthesis (MA: 43.4 +/- 17.2, G: 71.1 +/- 15.2; arbitrary units, mean +/- SD). The results indicate no benefits from MA during the immediate post-traumatic period.