[Intracellular concentration of phenylalanine, tyrosine and alpha-amino butyric acid in 13 homozygotes and 19 heterozygotes for phenylketonuria (PKU) compared with 26 normals (author's transl)].

Intracellular concentrations for phenylalanine, tyrosine, alpha-amino butyric acid and 7 other amino acids (glycine, alanine, valin, cystin, methionine, iso-leucin, leucin) were measured in lymphocytes of 13 homozygotes and 19 heterozygotes for phenylketonuria as well as in lymphocytes of 26 normals. Intracellular concentrations for phenylalanine, tyrosine and alpha-amino butyric acid were significantly higher in homo- and heterozygotes than in normals (p less than 0,001--p less than 0,01). For the other 7 amino acids there were no or only questionable differences. Between homo- and heterozygotes there was no difference in any of the amino acids. Intracellular phenylalanine: tyrosine ratio was essentially the same in all three groups of individuals. There was no correlation between intracellular phenylalanine above or below 10 nmol/10(6) cells and IQ in heterozygotes. The same is true for phenylalanine: tyrosine ratio greater or smaller than 1. In Homozygotes there was no correlation between intracellular phenylalanine and age -- to whom DQ/IQ is correlated. There was no significant difference in intracellular phenylalanine between homozygotes with blood levels above and below 908 mumol/l (15 mg/100 ml) at the time of blood sampling and no correlation between intra- and extra-cellular phenylalanine concentrations. Among the 26 normals there were only 2 with intracellular phenylalanine above 10 nmol/10(6) cells, both showing phenylalanine loading test curves suspicious for heterozygosity. The results are discussed and important functions of the cell wall supposed. An abnormal unknown intracellular metabolite being the real noxious agent could explain the incomparably different degree of brain dysfunction in individuals with equal though elevated intracellular phenylalanine concentrations i.e. homozygotes and heterozygotes for PKU.