Biochemical features induced by adenine feeding in rats. Polyuria, electrolyte disorders, and 2,8-dihydroxyadenine deposits.

Abstract

Levels of Na, K, Ca and phosphate were examined in rats fed on an adenine diet. Serum K decreased significantly in the adenine-fed group compared with the control group. A decrease was observed in the level of serum Ca on feeding with an adenine diet. Though a significant decrease in phosphate was noticed in the adeninie-fed rats which were kept for 6-12 days, the level of phosphate was increased at the 18-30th day compared with the control group. Serum Na concentration was maintained within a relatively narrow range. The animals that continued on the adenine diet showed a significant rise in the urinary excretion of Na, K and C during the test period. Dietary adenine decreased the amount of urinary phosphate. 2,8-Dihydroxyadenine content in kidneys increased during the test period, while a significant increase in the urinary excretion of 2,8-dihydroxyadenine was seen until the 12th day of the feeding period. Feeding of adenine to rats produced a significant increase in the urine volume. There were no appreciable changes in the water intake of the control and adenine-fed groups throughout the experimental period.