FACTORS INFLUENCING TAURINE EXCRETION IN HUMAN SUBJECTS*

Abstract

The average 24-hour urinary excretion of taurine in a normal male during a period of ordinary dietary intake was 161 mg. During a period of high protein intake, the daily excretion of taurine (193 mg.) was not significantly affected. Normal values in 20 adult women and in 20 preadolescent children of both sexes are also presented. In 6 patients with known or suspected adrenocortical disorders, taurine excretion was sharply increased following treatment with ACTH or 9[alpha]-fluorohydrocortisone. No correlation between taurine excretion and chronic disease was found. The data suggest that there is a relationship between adrenocortical function and taurine excretion.