Metabolite levels and enzyme activities in the bovine mammary gland in different stages of lactation: II. Some metabolite levels and enzyme activities of the citric acid cycle

Abstract

Summary Samples of the mammary gland were obtained by the freeze-clamping technique from heifers, lactating and dry cows. Levels of acetyl CoA, citrate, isocitrate and α-oxoglutarate were determined in extracts of the samples and calculated per g fresh gland and per mg DNA. All mammary metabolite levels were significantly higher in lactating cows than in heifers or dry cows. The accumulation in the lactating gland increased in the sequence acetyl CoA–α-oxoglutarate–isocitrate–citrate. NADP/NADPH ratios in cytoplasm, as calculated from the equilibrium of isocitrate dehydrogenase, were lowest in lactating glands. The activities of some enzymes were also determined in the cytoplasm and calculated per g fresh gland, per mg protein and per mg DNA. Mammary citrate synthase activity did not vary significantly between different groups of cattle, whereas mammary isocitrate dehydrogenase activity was higher in lactating cows than in heifers or dry cows. No activity of ATP citrate lyase was detected.