Glycogen Formation after Oral Administration of Sodium Salts of Propionic,Butyric,Valeric and Caproic Acids

Abstract

By the use of Cori's method, the absorption of and the formation of glycogen from the salts of fatty acids of low molecular weight have been determined. Male rats previously fasted for 24 hours were used. The control and experimental animals although not litter mates were nearly of the same age and weight. The data in the table show that of the substances administered only sodium propionate affected the glycogen stores. The increments in liver glycogen resulting therefrom, although not large, are nevertheless definite, and are not to be ascribed to individual variations. The failure of butyric and caproic acids to form glycogen cannot be due to faulty absorption, since it was demonstrated that their salts were as well absorbed as sodium propionate. The data are sufficient to warrant the inclusion of propionic acid in that list of products that can be transformed into glycogen by the white rat. Butyric and caproic acids cannot be added to that list for under the conditions obtaining in this study no evidence of the formation of glycogen from these acids was secured. Further studies on the behavior of valeric acid are desirable, since it is possible that the dosage employed was too small. Until such studies are completed definite conclusions regarding the fate of this acid must be withheld.