Protein Metabolism of Young Men During University Examinations

Abstract

Twenty-six male M.I.T. undergraduates were studied before and during final examinations. They consumed constant amounts of a liquid formula diet, and complete urine collections were made. During the examination periods the pulse rate increased as did 17,21-dihydroxycorticosteroid excretion. In fifteen freshmen the average urinary creatinine, nitrogen and sulfate excretion increased slightly during days of examinations; however, in upperclassmen, no changes in average excretions were detected. In both groups, however, there was a marked increase in day to day variations of nitrogen excretion during the examination period. The corresponding standard deviations during the examination period were from 45 to 90 per cent higher than during the baseline period. For the group as a whole, seven would be classified as significant metabolic reactors to the stress induced by examinations, eight as mild reactors and eleven as nonreactors. The maximum individual urinary nitrogen loss during days of examinations was 18 per cent higher than during the baseline period, whereas the average loss was just over 4 per cent higher. When precise estimation of individual nitrogen requirements is needed, the effect of stress in a particular individual requires consideration.