THE DISAPPEARANCE OF INFUSED AMINO ACIDS FROM PLASMA OF HOSPITALIZED CONTROL AND ADDISONIAN SUBJECTS*

Abstract

THERE is considerable evidence that secretions of the adrenal cortex accelerate amino acid catabolism (1), although there is contrary evidence and opinion (2). Cagan, Grey and Jensen demonstrated that when adrenalectomized rats are given amino acids in the form of casein hydrolysate, the elevation in the blood amino-acid nitrogen is greater and more prolonged than that in normal animals (3). Engel showed decreased urea formation in nephrectomized adrenalectomized rats given amino acids in combination with glucose (4), and Parson demonstrated increased conversion of amino acids to urea in Cushing's syndrome (5). In an attempt to substantiate in human subjects the observations of Cagan, Grey and Jensen (3) and to determine, if possible, whether the abnormality was due to impaired renal function or to defective aminoacid catabolism, the following investigation was performed.