Hypoproteinemia in Relation to the Dental Tissues

Abstract

8 groups of 4 adult female albino rats were placed on different diets for 13 weeks. Other than controls, the exptl. diets were protein-deficient, 2 groups being fed amino acid mixtures deficient in methionine and lysine, respectively, and a 3d group receiving no protein. Isocaloric consumption was maintained in these and 2 control groups by limiting daily feedings to a quantity equal to that of the group consuming the least amt. on the previous day. No abnormalities were observed macroscopically or microscopically in the dental tissues except in a decrease in wt. (about 26% avg.) and bucco-lingual diam. in the lower incisor. Rate of eruption remained normal. Gross changes included loss of wt. (most marked in the protein-free group), alopecia, decrease in serum proteins and hemoglobin. Atrophic changes were observed in many tissues and organs and were most marked in the skeletal musculature and reproductive organs.