Endotoxemia affects citrulline, arginine and glutamine bioavailability

Background Sepsis considerably alters the intestinal barrier functions, which in turn modify the absorption and bioavailability of nutrients. However, the effects of septic shock on aminoacid (AAs) bioavailability are poorly documented. The aim of this study was to compare the bioavailability of citrulline, arginine and glutamine during endotoxemia. Materials and methods Thirty-six rats were randomised into two groups: control and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The LPS group received an intraperitoneal injection of endotoxins (7.5 mg/kg). After 12 h, each group was again randomised into three subgroups, each of which received an oral bolus of citrulline, arginine or glutamine (5.7 mmol/kg). Blood samples were collected at various times from 0 to 600 min after AA administration. The concentrations of citrulline, arginine, glutamine and their metabolites arginine and ornithine were measured to determine pharmacokinetic parameters Area Under Curve (AUC), Cmax and Tmax. Results The AUC values of citrulline decreased in LPS rats [citrulline, control: 761 +/- 67 and LPS: 508 +/- 72 mu mol min/mL (P = 0.02)]. Maximum concentrations of citrulline were also significantly decreased by endotoxemia (P = 0.01). The pharmacokinetic parameters of arginine and glutamine were not significantly modified by endotoxemia. The AUC value of arginine from citrulline conversion was diminished in endotoxemic rats. The other pharmacokinetic parameters of arginine were not significantly modified after arginine or citrulline supply in either group (control or LPS). Conclusion Endotoxemia affects the bioavailability of AAs differently according to the amino acid considered. This feature may be important for nutritional strategy in ICU patients.