Metabolism of d- and l-[3−14C]glycerate by liver tissue of the rat

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Abstract
The preparation and tests of optical purity of samples of D- and L-[3-C-14]glycerate are described. The metabolism of these substances by respiring slices of rat liver has been studied. Both isomers are consumed to an equal extent and contribute nearly identically to the C14 appearing in the respiratory carbon dioxide and in the glucose formed. The latter may incorporate in 90 min. up to 16% of the added isotope. Distribution of C14 from both isomers among the glucose carbon atoms is the same: approximately 60% of the total labeling being in C-6, 30% in C-l, and 10% in C-3+C-4, of the glucose molecule. Possible metabolic routes which might explain this unexpected metabolic similarity of the two isomers are discussed.