Factors Which Determine Renal Weight

Abstract

The kidney weights of male albino rats which have been receiving a diet devoid of protein coincide very closely with the theoretical values which might be expected from the relationship which has been demonstrated between renal weight and the protein intake. The kidney weights of rats receiving a diet containing no protein are almost directly proportional to their endogenous protein metabolism as measured by the urinary nitrogen excretion. Evidence is presented which suggests that this is not a causal relationship but due to their relation to the same factor, perhaps the maintenance metabolism of the organism.