Inhibition of protein breakdown by glutamine in perfused rat skeletal muscle

We have assessed the effects of glutamine (Gln) availability on protein breakdown in perfused rat hindlimb by measuring net phenylalanine (Phe) production (an index of protein balance), the dilution of [ 15N]Phe labelling (an index of mixed protein breakdown) and rate of production of 3-methylhistidine (3-MeH) (an index of myofibrillar breakdown). 15 mM Gln significantly inhibited net protein loss and protein breakdown compared to rates obtained in its absence (net protein loss, 200±230 vs 2080±200 nmol Phe/hindlimb per h; protein breakdown, 4566±480 vs 1614±180 nmol Phe/hindlimb per h; both p<0.01). Insulin (100 μU/ml) inhibited protein breakdown but less than Gln. The effects on protein breakdown of Gln and insulin together were not additive, suggesting a common mode of action. Production of 3-MeH (mean 20.3±2.8 nmol/hindlimb per h) was unaffected by Gln or insulin. Gln appears to inhibit protein breakdown of soluble rather than myofibrillar protein in muscle.