Glutamate Transaminase Activity in Sheep Tissues, and the Response to Prolonged Protein Depletion

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Abstract
The glutamate transaminase activity of sheep tissues was studied in relation to such variables as age, sex, breed, and nutritional status of the animal. A wide range of normal activities was found, with glutamic -oxaloacetic transaminase always more active than glutamic-pyruvic transaminase. Most activity centered in heart muscle, liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle; there were apparently sex and age differences with little variation among breeds. Prolonged protein depletion resulted in significant alterations of tissue transaminase activity, not only in the liver but also in myocardium, skeletal muscle, spleen, and pancreas. In addition, a cofactor deficiency was caused by the experimental diet. Implications of these findings are discussed, in relation both to intermediary metabolism and to chemical pathology.