Carnitine metabolism in valproate-treated rats: The effect of l-carnitine supplementation

Abstract

The effect of the administration for 7 days of valproate (500 mg/kg/day) or valproate (500 mg/kg/day) plus L-carnitine (200 mg/kg/day) on carnitine concentra­tions in serum, red blood cells, muscle, liver, and urine was evaluated. In the serum and muscle of the valproic acid (VPA) group, free carnitine levels decreased, while acyl­carnitine levels and acyl/free ratio increased, when com­pared to those of the control. When L-carnitine was given to the VPA group, the free carnitine levels increased in the serum, muscle, and liver, and the acyl/free ratio decreased in all tissues when compared to those of the VPA group. The mean of free carnitine level in urine of the VPA group was not different but acylcarnitine increased when com­pared to values of controls, and after the supplementation with L-carnitine the acylcarnitine (from day 4 to 7) levels were decreased compared to the VPA group. The serum β-OH-butyrate level in the VPA group was decreased when compared to those of controls and VPA plus L-carnitine groups. These results indicate that L-carnitine supplemen­tation protects against the alteration in carnitine metabo­lism induced by the administration of VPA. © 1987 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.