The Synthesis of “Biologically Labile” Methyl Groups in the Germ-Free Rat

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Abstract
A metabolic experiment with germ-free rats fed deuterium oxide has demonstrated that animals living in the complete absence of microorganisms are capable of synthesizing the labile methyl group, as shown by the presence of deuterium in the methyl group of certain compounds such as tissue choline and creatine. The degree of synthesis was comparable to that observed in control multicontaminated rats. The methods of isolation of choline and creatine from tissues, the degradation of these compounds, and the quantitative isotope determinations are presented. An attempt to isolate choline from the feces of both the germ-free and the nonsterile animals is also described.