Parenteral branched‐chain amino acid treatment and avian dystrophy

Abstract

Genetically homozygous line 413 dystrophic chickens were given twice-daily intraperitoneal injections of solutions containing branched-chain amino acids (BCCA-leucine, valine, isoleucine) either alone or in combination; and their alpha-ketoacid analogs (alpha-ketoisocaproic and alpha-ketoisovaleric acids). Another trial consisted of an amino acid mixture containing BCAA. Amino acid supplementation in each case significantly prolonged righting ability measured regularly by a standardized flip-test procedure. Enhanced functional ability was not generally accompanied by a decrease in plasma creatine kinase activity. However, a measurable increase in the affected pectoralis major muscle mass and protein content (female chickens in particular) was found with BCAA therapy. Moreover, the increase in muscle bulk was attended in some cases by a reduction in the relative number of degenerating fibers quantitated microscopically. Contrariwise, the amino acid mixture caused a reduction in pectoralis muscle mass. It is concluded that parenteral BCAA therapy offers limited benefit in retarding dystrophic symptoms in the chickens.

Influence of [alpha]-ketoisocaproate on growth, carcass composition and protein metabolism in cattle and sheep

“…Another disease associated with considerable wasting of muscle protein is muscular dystrophy. Hudecki et al (1982) found that twicedaily injections of BCAA increased righting ability measured by standardized flip-test procedure of chickens with muscular dystrophy.…”

“…When KIC was administered twice-daily to chickens with muscular dystrophy, righting ability was improved, pectoralis major muscle mass and protein content was increased and the number of degenerating muscle fibers were decreased (Hudecki et al, 1982).…”