Metabolism of mimosine and other compounds from Leucaena leucocephala by the chicken

Abstract

Metabolism of mimosine and other FeCl3 positive compounds was studied in chickens altered surgically for collection of urine separate from feces. Urine from Leucaena leucocephala (LL) fed, intravenously mimosine injected, and corresponding control chickens was compared to standard L mimosine and 3,4 dihydroxypyridine (DHP) by two dimensional thin layer chromatography followed by a FeCl3 spray. Acid extract of LL leaves contained three compounds which are FeCl3 positive: mimosine, DHP, and an unidentified substance, compound A. Urine from LL fed and mimosine injected chickens contained DHP, indicating that DHP is not metabolically destroyed by the chicken, and that the chicken partially metabolizes mimosine to DHP. Mimosine not metabolized is excreted in the urine. Compound A, from LL extract, is not found in any urine, indicating that its FeCl3 reactivity is metabolized by the chicken. A fourth FeCl3 positive substance, compound B, is only found in trace quantaties in urine of LL fed chickens. Compound B may be a metabolic product of compound A, but not of mimosine or DHP, because compound B is not found in the urine of mimosine injected chickens. No FeCl3 positive compounds occurred in detectable concentrations in any plasmas at the time samples were taken. Compounds A and B are possibly structurally related to mimosine and DHP.

Source or Periodical Title

Nutrition Reports International

ISSN

296635

Page

217-222

Document Type

Article

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