GLUCOSE OXIDATION IN NUCLEI ISOLATED FROM RAT THYMUS

Addition of glucose to nuclei isolated from rat-thymus glands resulted in a considerable increase in glycolysis, while respiration was not influenced. If respiration in the nuclei was uncoupled by 2.4-dinitrophenol, a clear stimulation of oxygen consumption after addition of glucose could be demonstrated. A part of the glucose was catabolized via the hexose monophosphate pathway. The rate of oxidation of NADPH seems to be rate limiting for the operation of this pathway. Glucose catabolism via the citric acid cycle could be enhanced by 2.4-dinitrophenol. It is concluded from the reported experiments that the amount of endogenous substrate inside the nuclei is sufficient to provide reducing equivalents. The oxidation of added substrate is controlled by the availability of oxidized pyridine nucleotides. The turnover of these compounds can be accelerated by uncoupling agents or suitable electron acceptors. © 1969.