The possible role of glutamine in some cells of the immune system and the possible consequence for the whole animal.

Glutamine is important for the function of lymphocytes and macrophages. A role for the high rate of glutamine utilisation by these cells is presented. Since muscle syntheses, stores and releases glutamine, this tissue may play a role in the immune response. Since the number of immune cells utilising glutamine may be large, the demand for glutamine from muscle, especially during trauma, sepsis or burns, may be very high. A speculative suggestion is put forward that this requirement for glutamine from muscle may play a role in cachexia under some of these conditions.