Pentose cycling and the distribution of 13C in trehalose during glucogenesis from 13C-labelled substrates in an insect.

Redistribution of 13C in trehalose (Tre) due to pentose cycling was observed in vivo in Manduca sexta during glucogenesis from [3-13C]alanine (Ala) and [2-13C]glycerol (Gly). The extent of cycling was affected by dietary composition. Larvae maintained on a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) exhibited approximately 13% cycling, while those on a complete-balanced diet (CBD) or low-fat diet (LFD) displayed much higher rates of cycling. Significant incorporation of 13C via reversal of the non-oxidative phase was evident on all diets but was greatest on the CBD and LFD. In contrast to conclusions from previous studies with insects, the present results indicate that under normal conditions the pentose pathway is not the principal source of triose phosphates for oxidative catabolism during larval development.