Effect of Pyruvate on Oxalate-Synthesizing Enzymes in Liver and Kidney of Glycolate-Fed Rats

Oxalic acid, an end-product of metabolism, is known to cause calcium oxalate stone formation when produced in large amounts in the body both in animals and humans1,2. Glycolate is an important precursor of oxalic acid3 and its conversion to oxalate increases several-fold in vitamin B6 deficiency4. Chow et al5 have reported lowered oxalate excretion in glycolate-fed rats, when administered alanine or pyruvate. But the mechanism of pyruvate action on oxalate biosynthesis is still not clear. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the biochemical mechanisms involved in the inhibition of oxalate biosynthesis by feeding pyruvate to glycolate-treated rats.