Enzyme Concentration Changes in the Kidneys of Protein- and/or Potassium-Deficient Rats

Abstract

The kidneys of K- and/or protein-deficient rats were examined for glutaminase, carbonic anhydrase, D-amino acid oxidase and arginase activity. Disturbances from normal were related to renal electrolyte excretion. Kidney D-amino acid oxidase and arginase activities tended to parallel changes in kidney N, being increased upon feeding a low-K diet and decreased upon feeding a diet deficient in protein. Striking changes were found in glutaminase and carbonic anhydrase activity. The activities of both glutaminase and carbonic anhydrase were significantly reduced in the kidneys of K-deficient rats. These changes in activity paralleled the increased total acidity and ammonia excretion found in K deficiency and the decreased urinary total acidity and ammonia excretion found in K and protein depleted rats.