Galactose Metabolism in a Patient with Hereditary Galactokinase Deficiency

Abstract

Abstract. The ability of a galactokinase deficient patient to metabolize galactose, galactitol and galactonate was quantitated. In galactokinase deficiency, conversion of galactose to CO 2 is minimal. Apparently the defect is extensive, involving all tissues. Galactitol and galactonate, injected intravenously, were not metabolized. The administration of C‐1 and C‐2 labelled galactose resulted in 14 CO 2 excretory patterns similar to that observed in uridyltransferase deficient mutants. The different fates of C‐1 and C‐2 observed in this galactokinase deficient patient give support to the existence of a direct oxidative pathway for galactose. Galactonate, although present in urine during the period of observation following injection of radioactive galactose failed to become labelled.