Bovine serum albumin decreases 4-methyl-2-oxovalerate utilization by isolated rat hepatocytes.

Binding of 4-methyl-2-oxo[1-14C]valerate to defatted bovine serum albumin inhibited the utilization of this 2-oxo acid by fed-rat hepatocytes in vitro. With 0-50g of albumin/l in the presence of 0.05mM 2-oxo acid or on increasing the 2-oxo acid concentration from 0 to 2mM in the presence of 26g of albumin/l, the extent of inhibition was essentially dependent on the change in the free 2-oxo acid concentration. Intrahepatocyte 4-methyl-2-oxo[1-14C]valerate concentrations were similar to extracellular free 2-oxo acid concentrations, suggesting equilibration so that the plasma membrane appears not to be rate-limiting for the utilization of this substrate by the isolated liver cells.