Abstract

The effects of sodium 2-chloropropionate (2-CP), an activator of pyruvate dehydrogenase were studied on normal dogs. Two sets of experiments were performed: 1) 2-CP was administered to conscious dogs by gastric intubation at 1.16 mmol/kg b.wt. The drug induced a decrease in blood lactate and pyruvate levels but did not produce any significant change in blood glucose, blood beta-hydroxybutyrate or acetoacetate levels. 2) 2-CP given i.v. (1.16 mmol/kg b.wt. during 20 min) rapidly reduced the experimental hyperlactatemia induced by continuous infusion of epinephrine (1.5 microgram/kg . min) or fructose (0.5 g/kg . hr). Considering the metabolic side effects induced by dichloroacetate, another activator of pyruvate dehydrogenase, we suggest that use of 2-CP rather than dichloroacetate might be of interest, particularly in the treatment of hyperlactatemia or lactic acidosis.