Is -Carbamoyl Putrescine, the Decarboxylation Derivative of Citrulline, a Regulator of Muscle Protein Metabolism in Rats?

-carbamoyl putrescine (NCP), the decarboxylation derivative of citrulline, metabolically related to polyamines, may exert biological effects in mammals. The aim of this study was (i) to evaluate the nutritional properties of NCP in healthy rats and (ii) to determine the effect of NCP administration on muscle metabolism in malnourished old rats. The nutritional properties of NCP were first evaluated in 20 8-week-old male rats randomized to receive for two weeks a standard diet either alone (C group) or supplemented with NCP, 5 or 50 mg/kg/d.