Theoretical Considerations and Models of Red and White Cell Pentose Cycles

Abstract The contribution of pentose cycle activity to glucose metabolism is usually estimated by cumbersome, time-consuming techniques such as isolating and degrading products of specifically labeled radioactive precursors, to localize the radioactivity in individual carbon atoms. Equations for the calculation of pentose cycle activity are based on models that assume either no recycling or complete recycling of pentose cycle intermediates, as well as incomplete metabolism of glucose by the cycle. A simpler and more reliable way to determine pentose cycle activity is needed. The present investigation is the development of an improved model for the evaluation of the relative extent of glucose metabolism via the pentose cycle.