Elevation of albumin synthesis rates in nephrotic patients measured with [1-13C]leucine

Elevation of albumin synthesis rates in nephrotic patients measured with [1- 13 C]leucine. Eight patients with a nephrotic syndrome and a histologically-proven kidney disease were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Albumin synthesis rates were measured after injection of 13 C-labelled leucine (57 mg/kg body wt, 19.4 atoms%). Plasma volume was determined with 125 I-albumin. The fractional synthesis rate of albumin was 7.9 ± 0.4%/day in control subjects in comparison with a marked elevation to 18.4 ± 2.0%/day (P