The production of ammonia by surviving kidney tissue

Abstract

Washed kidney tissue produces some ammonia under anaerobic and more under aerobic conditions. Glucose inhibits the aerobic formation of ammonia, cutting it down to the anaerobic level. The anaerobic production is not affected. In the presence of glycine extra ammonia is formed. This occurs only aerobically yet no extra atmospheric O is taken up by the tissue. The production of this extra ammonia is not inhibited by glucose. Cyanide (0.02 M) diminishes but does not entirely inhibit the aerobic ammonia formation by the tissue alone. On the other hand, the production of extra ammonia due to the presence of glycine is entirely inhibited by 0.02 M cyanide. Apparently 3 systems at least may be concerned in ammonia production by kidney tissue, one anaerobic system and two aerobic. One of the aerobic systems is completely inhibited by glucose but not completely by 0.02 M cyanide; the other is completely inhibited by cyanide and not at all by glucose.