Interference between leucine, isoleucine and valine during intestinal absorption.

1. The reciprocal interference between l-leucine, l-isoleucine and l-valine during absorption was studied in rats both in vivo and with an everted-sac preparation in vitro. 2. After feeding with the amino acids alone there was a considerable increase in their concentration in the intestinal lumen followed by a rapid disappearance, indicating efficient absorption. Absorption was reflected by a high concentration of the respective amino acids in the portal plasma. Isoleucine and valine inhibited the absorption of leucine, and leucine inhibited the absorption of isoleucine and valine. Inhibition of absorption by the interfering amino acid was generally partly overcome after 30-60min., probably through the absorption of the interfering amino acid. At that time the rise in the concentration of the amino acid in portal plasma began. 3. These results were confirmed by experiments in vitro: isoleucine and valine inhibited the absorption rate of leucine, and leucine that of isoleucine and valine. 4. Active absorption of amino acids was rapid at low concentrations and depressed at higher concentrations.