[Effect of glutamic and aspartic acids on heart metabolism and function in hypoperfusion]

Abstract

The effects of glutamic and aspartic acids were studied during hypoperfusion of the rat isolated heart. The ischemic contracture that develops during hypoperfusion was prevented by glutamic acid. This effect was accompanied by preservation of higher tissue levels of ATP and CP, elimination of glutamate and aspartate deficiency, intensification of ammonia binding through the synthesis of glutamine, asparagine and urea by the myocardium. Nevertheless the level of free ammonia in the tissue remained fairly high. Aspartic acid had a similar but less pronounced effect on heart function and metabolism. The mechanism of contractile function preservation by amino acids appears to be connected with activation of oxidative and substrate phosphorylation in mitochondria rather than with the reduced level of free ammonia.