Protein-Calorie Malnutrition in Young Miniature Swine: Brain Free Amino Acids

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Abstract
The effects of protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) on cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem free amino acid levels were evaluated using 54 miniature swine. Eighteen piglets were weaned at each of the following ages: 5, 21, or 35 days. Within each age group, six piglets were assigned to one of three feeding regimes: 20% protein diet fed ad libitum, 5% protein diet fed ad libitum (malnourished), or 20% protein diet pair-fed to malnourished piglets. At age 63 days, brain samples were collected and analyzed for free amino acid content. Patterns of free amino acids appeared to be related to age of PCM onset. Not only did the time of initiation determine which amino acid concentrations were altered, but also the manner of alteration and the area of the brain in which concentrations varied. Furthermore, different patterns of brain free amino acid concentrations were observed for protein-deficient piglets than for pair-fed piglets.