Effects of corn feeding and protein restriction on free amino acid concentration in the rat cerebellum.

To determine the effect of low protein and corn-based diets on the maturation of cerebellum, three groups of young rats were fed during a period of 6 weeks with different diets; 23 and 8% of protein (Purina-Chow base) and a corn-based diet (8% protein). At the end of that period, the concentration of free amino acids in the cerebellum was measured. Glutamic acid, glycine, glutamine and serine showed the highest values in all groups studied. Corn-based diet group showed the lowest free amino acid concentration compared to that of the control group, with a significant diminution in the concentration of glutamic acid, lysine, tyrosine and histidine. Differences between essential and nonessential amino acids were not observed in all groups studied. Although corn-based diet did not induce specific changes as those reported in severe malnutrition, its effects on the concentration of some amino acids other than tryptophan could have some physiological correlations which need to be further studied.