Adenosine Triphosphate Turnover in Humans

The regulation of ATP metabolism by inorganic phosphate (Pi) was examined in five normal volunteers through measurements of ATP degradation during relative Pi depletion and repletion states. Relative Pi depletion was achieved through dietary restriction and phosphate binders, whereas a Pi-repleted state was produced by oral Pi supplementation. ATP was radioactively labeled by the infusion of 18-14Cladenine. Fructose infusion was used to produce rapid ATP degradation during Pi depletion and repletion states. Baseline measurements indicated a significant decrease of Pi levels during phosphate depletion and no change in serum or urinary purines. Serum values of Pi declined 20 to 26% within 15 min after fructose infusion in all states. Urine measurements of ATP degradation products showed an eightfold increase within 15 min after fructose infusion in both Pi-depleted and -supplemented states. Urinary radioactive ATP degradation products were fourfold higher and urinary purine specific activity was more than threefold higher during Pi depletion as compared with Pi repletion. Our data indicate that there is decreased ATP degradation to purine end products during a relative phosphate repletion state as compared to a relative phosphate depletion state. These data show that ATP metabolism can be altered through manipulation of the relative Pi state in humans.