The Oxidation and Kidney Clearance of d- and L-Tryptophan by Chickens 1

Summary

Ring-labeled d- or L-tryptophan was injected intraperitoneally into chicks. The major portion of L-tryptophan was recovered as CO₂ while the D-isomer was primarily detected in excreta. Renal clearance studies showed that infused L-tryptophan was efficiently reabsorbed by the kidney while D-tryptophan behaved similarly to inulin. Compared to L-tryptophan, the D-form was poorly utilized in chickens.

The technical assistance of Ms. Tzina Adler and Ms. Margaret A. Winegardner is gratefully acknowledged.