Blood-tissue transport of exogenous albumin and immunoglobulin G in genetically analbuminemic rats

Tracer uptake studies were carried out in adult female Nagase (NA) strain analbuminemic rats [derived from Sprague-Dawley (SD) stock] and in adult female SD controls to determine the extent to which capillary permeability to plasma proteins is altered in the absence of endogenous albumin. Accessory measurements (arterial pressure, central venous pressure, plasma and interstitial fluid protein concentrations and oncotic pressures, plasma volume, and interstitial fluid volume) confirm the report of Joles et al. [Am. J. Physiol. 257 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 26): F23-F28, 1989] that shows elevated plasma volumes, normal interstitial fluid volumes, nearly normal plasma oncotic pressures (due to elevated globulin concentrations), and lower interstitial fluid oncotic pressures. In skin, skeletal muscles, and heart muscle, clearances of exogenous heterologous (bovine) albumin were 20–40% higher in NA than in SD controls. In intestine, albumin clearances were 20–30% lower. In NA rats blood-to-tissue clearances of heterologous (bovine) immunoglobulin G in skin and heart were higher and in the intestine they were lower than in SD controls; however, clearances in skeletal muscles were not elevated. The differences between NA and SD are small compared with the large increases in macromolecular permeabilities reported by others for organs and single microvessels perfused with albumin-free fluids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)