PFK Deficiency in Canines

[Putz]

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Application message id:  35634182404991/10017 MRX
Importance:  Normal
Grade of Delivery:  Normal

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FORWARDED MESSAGE

Application message id:  45634182404991/10017 MRX
Subject:  PFK Deficiency in Canines                                               
Importance:  Normal

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       Hello Netters,
       
          I have a good friend that is a Veterinarian.  The other day,
       she called me to tell me about a case of canine PFK
       (phosphofructokinase) deficiency that she had successfully
       diagnosed.  The dog was obese and, upon exertion, would experience
       a dramatic rise in blood ph followed by acute hemolysis- all
       classic symptoms of PFK deficiency in dogs, so I'm told.  She told
       me that during these attacks, the dog also became very
       hypoglycemic which, according to her, is not a normal
       characteristic of PFK deficiency.  She wondered what was causing
       hypoglycemia in this dog but not others that have PFK deficiency. 
       My guess was that since glucose was not being successfully
       metabolized by the glycolytic pathway, glucose was continuously
       being taken up and phosphorylated rather than being stored as
       glycogen, thereby leading to the observed hypoglycemia.  My
       question is, if I am right, why don't all dogs with PFK deficiency
       experience hypoglycemia?  Is there another explanation for why
       this may happen only occasionally?  I admit, its been awhile since
       I've had to ponder a question concerning metabolic pathways.  I'm
       a gene-jock by training.  Any help in resolving this question will
       be appreciated.
       
       Henry S. Putz Jr.
       Sr. Research Scientist
       Sterling Winthrop Pharmaceutical Research Division
       Collegeville, PA
       hsp at kodak.com   
       
       The opinions expressed here are obviously my own since nobody
       would be foolish enough to let me speak for them.