SEX DIFFERENCE IN PROTEINURIA IN THE RAT

Abstract

Adult male rats of the Slonaker-Addis strain excrete 4-5 times more protein in their urine than adult females. The male-female difference in protein excretion found in voided urine is similarly found in urine taken directly from the urinary bladder. The increased protein found in the urine of male rats is of renal origin. Castration of adult male rats results in a sharp fall in proteinuria. Castration of adult female rats does not effect the quantity of protein excreted in their urine. Treatment with subcut. injns. of 2 mg. of testosterone propionate daily greatly increases the rate of protein excretion in both male and female castrate rats.