Abstract:

【Objective】 This study was conducted to investigate the mechanism for the reduction of endogenous arginine synthesis by profiling the developmental expression pattern of intestinal N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) in pre-weaned Tibetan piglets. 【Method】 The gene of NAGS was cloned from Tibetan piglets, and the rabbit antiserum against the purified NAGS was prepared. The gene expression level and protein content of NAGS were analyzed using real time PCR and western blotting methods in jejunum and ileum of Tibetan piglets at 1, 7, 21, 28 and 35 days of age, respectively. 【Result】 With the age increasing from day 1 to 35, both the mRNA expression level (P＜0.05) and protein content (P＜0.01) of NAGS were gradually decreased. 【Conclusion】 The expression levels of NAGS mRNA and protein were decreased during sucking period as the Tibetan piglet grew up. The decreased expression level of NAGS may be one of the important mechanisms for the reduction of endogenous arginine synthesis in pre-weaned suckling piglets.

Key words: N-acetylglutamate synthase')">N-acetylglutamate synthase, tibetan pigs, suckling period