Transport of tyrosine and phenylalanine across the rat nasal mucosa

Transport of tyrosine (Tyr) and phenylalanine (Phe) across the rat nasal mucosa was studied using an in situ perfusion technique. It was found that both amino acids were absorbed by active, saturable transport processes. The Km and Vmax values were calculated to be 0.6 mM and 0.44 mM/hr for L-Tyr, and 0.40 mM and 0.39 mM/hr for L-Phe, respectively. The values for L-Tyr agr agreed well with the results previously reported. When D-Tyr and D-Phe were used as substrates, the extent of nasal absorption was significantly reduced indicating the specific affinity of the carrier for the L-amino acids. When mixtures of L-Tyr and L-Phe were used as perfusates, both amino acids were found to be concomitantly absorbed in a competitive manner. This implied that at least one common carrier system was present in the nasal mucosa. In addition the transport appears to be Na +-dependent and may require metabolic energy as a driving force as seen from the inhibition of the L-Phe uptake by ouabain and 2,4-dinitrophenol.