Hepatocytes isolated from the cat demonstrate differences with regard to amino acid metabolism as compared to rat hepatocytes. 2. [14C]serine is metabolized via transamination in isolated cat hepatocyte, whereas its major catabolic route in the rat is via serine dehydratase. 3. [14C]glycerine, a poor gluconeogenic precursor in rat hepatocytes, appears to be equal to serine as a precursor for cat hepatocytes. 4. [14C]threonine does not compete with serine for metabolism, and may be metabolized via threonine aldolase. 5. These results illustrate a protection of amino acids from oxidative metabolism, and a high priority for their metabolism towards anabolic processes.
