Free amino acid patterns of plasma, erythrocytes and leucocytes in hypoproteinaemia

Abstract

1. In pregnancy, severe hypoproteinaemia, cirrhosis and anaemia, plasma free α-amino nitrogen (FαAN) was found to be lowered. The non-essential:essential amino acid ratios, determined by paper chromatography, were increased in hypoproteinaemia and anaemia.2. The erythrocytic FαAN content increased in early hypoproteinaemia and values lower than normal were found in severe hypoproteinaemia. There was also a rise in anaemia, which was due to increased cellular non-essential amino acids.3. The leucocytic FαAN was reduced in all hypoproteinaemic states. The increased FαAN values in patients with thyrotoxicosis demonstrated that, in catabolism, leucocytic uptake of amino acids is increased. The non-essential:essential amino acid ratios were decreased in cirrhosis, possibly due to poor biosynthesis of non-essential amino acids by the liver.