Showing papers by "Jean Mayer published in 1963"

Glycerolkinase activity in white adipose tissue of obese-hyperglycaemic mice.

Abstract: IN a recent communication, it was reported that epididymal fat pads from obese-hyperglycaemic mice incorporate 3.5 times as much glycerol-1,3-14C into glyceride-glycerol as did fat pads from non-obese litter-mates1. It was suggested that white adipose tissue of obese-hyperglycaemic mice might therefore contain higher levels of glycorolkinase. This possibility has now been tested by direct assay of the enzyme.

Lipase and Glycerokinose Activities in the Adipose Tissue of Obese-Hyperglycæmic Mice

Abstract: IT has previously been reported that free fatty acid mobilization from the adipose tissue of hereditary obese–hyperglycaemie mice after incubation with epinephrine or fat-mobilizing substance1 or prolonged fast is far smaller than is seen with tissue from non-obese litter-mates2,3. It has also been shown that lipogenesis from acetate in adipose tissue from this animal proceeds at 10–15 times the normal rate4. The diminished free fatty release and the increased lipogenesis from acetate occurring in spite of a decrease in glucose uptake5 and utilization2,5 suggested to us that this syndrome might entail two abnormalities, possibly interrelated: an impaired lipolytic activity directly related to the epinephrine-sensitive lipolytic system in adipose tissue described by Rizack6; and an ability of this tissue to utilize ‘non-active’ glycerol in the esterification process possibly through a specific ‘glycero-kinase’.

‘Safety Valve’ Effect of Excess Dietary Amino-acids and Protein on Food Intake in Hyperphagic Rats

Abstract: IMBALANCES in amino-acids and excessively high-protein content of the diet (66 per cent or more) depress food intake and retard growth in rats. It has been suggested that resulting metabolic disturbances affected the mechanism of regulation of food intake. The fact that in some instances administration of insulin counteracts the growth-retarding effect of leucine excess was taken as supporting this view1. Going one step further, it has been suggested that blood amino-acid patterns played a crucial part in the mechanism of satiety and the regulation of food intake2,3. The experiments presented here were designed to show whether excess or imbalanced amino-acid and protein intake do, in fact, act on the mechanism regulating food intake or whether they limit food intake by acting through other structures. Inasmuch as it has been shown that the ventromedial hypothalamic area regulates food intake, that is, adjusts food intake to energy output4, apparently by inhibiting constantly activated lateral ‘feeding centres’5 and exercising some measure of control over gastric contractions6, the animals used were ten female albino rats (Charles River strain) the ‘satiety’ centres of which had been destroyed by electrocoagulation of the ventromedial area.

Nutrition and lactation.

Abstract: Although purely nutritional evidence favoring breast feeding over medically supervised artificial feeding is lacking, there is still a strong case for breast feeding. Volume of milk differs considerably in normally lactating women, but the physiologic factors in such differences are not known. If the mother's diet is sound and has been adequate during pregnancy, the initiation of breast feeding requires no unusual qualitative nutritional allowances. Maintenance of a proper supply of breast milk without undue depletion of the mother depends on provision of sufficient calories, protein and nutrients in the diet.

Exercise and prevention of heart disease.

Abstract: An increasing number of studies show that inactivity is of considerable importance in the development of heart diseaseRegular exercise of sufficient intensity may actually retard the development of degenerative fibrotic lesions of the heart muscle and maintain the elasticity of blood vessels The author reports on three studies made in different parts of the world which present convincing evidence that the entire mode of life, not nutrition alone, may be important in retarding or accelerating the incidence of heart disease

Alteration of relative preference for sugar and saccharine caused by ventromedial hypothalamic lesions.

Abstract: Lorsque l'on determine le pourcentage de choix de solutions de saccharine et de sucre chez le rat, on trouve que la preference pour le sucre est diminuee quand les animaux ont acces a leur nourriture pendant le test. La destruction de la region ventromediale hypothalamique diminue aussi la preference relative pour le sucre. Ces resultats confirment l'idee que l'un des facteurs de la preference pour le sucre depend de l'integrite de la fonction des recepteurs hypothalamiques.

Some Aspects of the Relation of Nutrition and Pregnancy

Abstract: The possible teratogenic effect of dietary deficiencies in pregnancy appears to be negligible on any but very poor diets. Critical evidence indicates that diet during pregnancy can vary widely without demonstrable impairment of the health of the mother or baby.A reasonably sound diet which would insure a proper state of nutrition in the United States seems to be adequate for pregnancy. Studies indicate, however, that the influence of nutrition on pregnancy may be very marked in the lower range of quantitative or qualitative intakes, with the effect rapidly diminishing as an adequate nutritional level is approached.

Some Aspects of Obesity in Children

Abstract: There is no general agreement on a satisfactory standard for growth; however, subcutaneous thicknesses seem to give the most reliable basis for diagnosing obesity in children.Obesity which develops before the age of 10 or after the age of 16 has a poor prognosis for future weight reduction; obesity developing just before puberty may be transient and self-correcting.Studies have indicated that inactivity is a possible primary cause of obesity in children and adolescents.Obesity exposes children to difficult situations and damaging pressures which may have psychologic effects.

Nutrition and celiac disease.

Abstract: Celiac disease formerly was considered a malignant pediatric entity; however, careful diagnosis, dietary management and conscientious follow-up have eliminated much of its threat.The diet of the patient with celiac disease should be free of gluten, high in other proteins, moderately low in fat, particularly the saturated fats, and supplemented with vitamins.Investigation has shown that after a period of treatment three of four children with celiac disease tolerate gluten satisfactorily and grow at a normal rate.