Multiple alpha-keto aciduria in Microtus montanus chronically infected with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.
Microtus montanus chronically infected with a monomorphic strain of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense excreted in urine greatly elevated quantities of not only the aromatic alpha-keto acids, phenylpyruvic and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acids, but also two aliphatic alpha-keto acids, pyruvic and alpha-ketoglutaric acids. Elevated keto acid excretion began approximately midway through infection and quantities remained elevated until death. Daily keto acid excretion did not correlate with daily parasitemia. Thus, a large metabolic disturbance exists in laboratory animals infected with African trypanosomes. The multiple alpha-keto aciduria potentially contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic African trypanosomiasis.
D000818:Animals; D003411:Arvicolinae; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D007656:Ketoglutaric Acids / Q000652:urine*; D011773:Pyruvates / Q000652:urine*; D013997:Time Factors; D014347:Trypanosoma brucei gambiense / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014353:Trypanosomiasis, African / Q000652:urine*
D007656:Ketoglutaric Acids; D011773:Pyruvates