Leucine catabolism and incorporation into tissue proteins in thyroparathyroidectomized rats.

We investigated parameters of leucine metabolism in thyroparathyroidectomized (TPX) and pair-fed control rats using a technique of continuous infusion of [l-14C]leucine. The rate of leucine turnover was significantly smaller in TPX than in control rats (42.5 +/- 2.6 vs 35.1 +/- 1.9 mumole/hr/100 g, mean +/- SEM, six rats). There was no significant difference between rates of alpha-decarboxylation of leucine by the two groups of rats. The protein incorporation of leucine was significantly smaller in the muscle of TPX than control rats (39 +/- 5 vs 24 +/- 4 pmole/mg protein, mean +/- SEM, six rats) but in liver it was not significantly different. Thyroparathyroidectomy also had no significant effect on concentration of either leucine or its ketoacid (alpha-ketoisocaproate) in plasma, liver, and muscle. We conclude that hypothyroidism does not alter catabolism of leucine but reduces its incorporation into muscle protein.