Horm Metab Res 1990; 22(12): 612-615
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1004985
Originals Basic

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Dietary Protein on the Capacity of Urea Synthesis in Rats

K. F. Petersen, H. Vilstrup, N. Tygstrup
  • Divisions of Hepatology and Experimental Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Publikationsverlauf

1989

1990

Publikationsdatum:
14. März 2008 (online)

Summary

The in vivo capacity of urea nitrogen synthesis (CUNS) during alanine stimulation was measured within the blood amino acid concentration interval 7.3-11.6 mmol/l, where urea synthesis is at maximum and independent of substrate concentration. Three groups of rats were fed for 14 days, either a low protein diet (8%), a normal diet (17%), or a high protein diet (53%).

Diet protein modified both CUNS and plasma glucagon concentration. CUNS was 5.86 ± 2.93, 7.43 ± 2.16, and 19.31 ± 4.32 μmol/(min·100 g BW) (mean ± SD, N = 6), respectively. The corresponding plasma glucagon concentrations after alanine stimulation were 222 ± 400, 633 ± 229, and 1700 ± 627 ng/l, respectively.

The in vivo kinetics of urea production is regulated by dietary protein, possibly via glucagon. This implies that the liver plays an active part in adaptation of whole body nitrogen homeostasis to dietary changes.