Peroxisomal beta-oxidation and sodium valproate.

The influence of sodium valproate on peroxisomal beta-oxidation was investigated in rats, by evaluating in vivo changes in hepatic H2O2 production, using a combination of the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, and methanol. In rats starvation causes an increased flux of fatty acids through the peroxisomal beta-oxidation pathway. Valproate inhibits the formation of 3-hydroxybutyrate but not increased H2O2 production during starvation. There is no inhibitory effect of valproate on the peroxisomal oxidase. At low valproate concentrations it is possible that peroxisomes partially take over impaired mitochondrial function.