NITROGEN-SPARING EFFECT OF ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS (EAA) IN A-NEPHRIC RATS

This study undertook to determine the nutritional factors influencing urea nitrogen production (UrP) and net protein synthesis (PrS) in protein-depleted anephric rats. Young growing rats were protein-depleted from 3-14 days by providing them a protein-free diet. They were then binephrectomized and an infusion begun. UrP was measured as gain in body urea pool derived from BUN and body water over the succeeding 24 hrs. PrS was either positive or negative, depending upon whether nitrogen intake exceeded or was less than UrP. All animals received 7 ml fluid/100 g BW/24 hrs IV in .07M NaCl to avoid hyponatremia, and insulin when appropriate to avoid hyperglycemia. Solutions were compared and expressed per 100 g BW/day: