SERUM CITRULLINE CONCENTRATIONS IN DOGS WITH CHRONIC ENTEROPATHY

摘要

Citrulline, a non-proteinogenic amino acid, has recently been described as a biomarker of enterocyte function in humans. Decreased concentrations of plasma citrulline have been reported in patients with short bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, viral enteritis, or in critically ill patients. In dogs, the relationship between serum citrulline concentration and small intestinal dysfunction has not been well characterized. Citrulline is mainly synthesized from glutamine in enterocytes and is metabolized inthe duodenum and jejunum. Therefore, intestinal injury can lead to decreased serum citrulline concentrations. The aims of this study were to analytically validate a GC/MS method for the measurement of citrulline in canine serum and to assess the concentration of this amino acid in dogs with chronic enteropathy.