Carbohydrate metabolism in the chronically uremic rat.

The glycogen cycle enzymes amylo1,6-glucosidase, glycogen synthetase (I and D forms) and alpha-glucan phosphorylase (a and b forms) have been assayed for activity in skeletal muscle and hepatic tissues of chronically uremic rats. Significant decreases in muscle amylo-1,6-glucosidase (41%), hepatic phosphorylase (30%) and hepatic synthetase D (30%) activities were observed in uremics, as compared to both sham operted and destricted diet intake controls. Changes in phosphorylase "a" to "b" activity ratios and synthetase I to D activity ratios were found in the uremics. The biochemical significance of these alterations are discussed.