Posted by Larry Hoover on November 3, 2003, at 14:59:45
In reply to LNAAT: leucine and isoleucine » Larry Hoover, posted by DSCH on November 3, 2003, at 12:19:59
> > Tyrosine is one of five amino acids that compete for transport into the central nervous system (across the so-called blood/brain barrier), via the LNAAT (Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter). If I recall correctly, the five are tyrosine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, and tryptophan. They each have slightly different affinities for the transporter, so if found in the blood at equal concentrations, the one(s) with the higher affinity will have an advantage, and be transported into the brain more efficiently. Tryptophan has the lowest affinity of the five, and it is found in relatively low concentrations in all proteins, so it tends to lose the competition relative to the others.
>
> Larry, do you know what the brain does with leucine and isoleucine?This is exactly why I like questions so much. I haven't a clue what the answer is. But I'm going to find out.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:275292
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031023/msgs/276152.html