Brain pyruvate dehydrogenase: phosphorylation and enzyme activity altered by a training experience.

The active portion of the alpha subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase in rat frontal cortex was elevated after a training experience. No change in total pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was observed. The phosphorylation in vitro of pyruvate dehydrogenase (band F-2) was also elevated after training. Since activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase requires its dephosphorylation, the following sequence is proposed. Training alters frontal cortex and reduces the phosphate content of pyruvate dehydrogenase in vivo; this leads to enzyme activation; and an increase in back-titration of sites available for phosphorylation in vitro.