Systemic and regional acetate kinetics in dogs

Little is known about the sites of production and uptake of acetate in nonruminants. We placed blood sampling catheters in the femoral artery and in the femoral, portal, hepatic, and renal veins of mongrel dogs (n = 11). The animals were studied in the conscious state 2 wk later during a primed continuous infusion of [1-¹⁴C]acetate. Systemic acetate turnover, oxidation, and clearance were determined, as well as regional uptake and release, by measuring ¹⁴CO₂ excretion as well as plasma concentration and specific activity at the five sampling sites. Results showed systemic acetate turnover was 8.8 ± 1.9 μmol·kg^-+ min^-1, approximating 5% of energy expenditure in dogs. Simultaneous uptake and release of acetate was demonstrated in intestine, liver, kidney, and hindlimb. The intestine was the greatest contributor to acetate production, whereas the liver was the most important site of uptake. Plasma acetate oxidation was 77 ± 4% of turnover. Both systemic clearance (129 ± 22 ml·kg^-1·min^-1) and tissue fractional extraction (68-85%) were many times greater than values reported for glucose, free fatty acids, lactate, or amino acids. In conclusion, most tissues simultaneously take up and release acetate in dogs. This may represent a mechanism for interorgan transport of energy, especially under conditions of caloric deprivation.