Enzymes of Galactose Metabolism in Livers of Suckling and Adult Tammar Wallabies (Macro Pus Eugenii) and Other Marsupials

Abstract

The activities of galactokinase, hexose-I-phosphate uridylyl transferase and UDPglucose 4-epimerase in homogenates of livers of two adult and 20 suckling tammar wallabies aged from 6 to 50 weeks were investigated. The activities of all three enzymes were high until 24-30 weeks post partum, after which they declined to low levels.The activities of the three liver enzymes were high in pouch young of six other species of marsupial.Comparison of the activities of the three liver enzymes in suckling tammar wallabies with those in suckling rats showed no difference between the two species in regard to galactokinase and uridylyl transferase, but the UDPglucose 4-epimerase activity in tammar wallabies was approximately double that found in rats. This may be related to the high galactose content of tammar wallaby milk compared with rat milk.In suckling tammar wallabies, the liver had higher enzyme activities than other tissues studied.It is concluded that, contrary to the suggestion of Stephens et al. (1975), pouch young marsupials are not deficient in their ability to metabolize galactose.