EXPERIMENTS ON THE EFFECTS OF INJECTION OF EGG-ALBUMEN AND SOME OTHER PROTEIDS

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Understanding protein metabolism and excretion is crucial for physiological studies.
• Investigating the fate of exogenous proteins in the body provides insights into metabolic pathways and potential toxicological effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the excretion and metabolic fate of injected egg albumen in various animal models.
• To determine the factors influencing albumen retention and excretion rates.
• To assess the physiological and histological effects of albumen injection.

Main Methods:

• Intravenous, hypodermic, and intraperitoneal injections of egg albumen and other proteins in mammals (rabbits, dogs) and birds (hens).
• Analysis of urine and feces for coagulable and non-coagulable proteins.
• Measurement of nitrogen excretion and body temperature.
• Histological examination of organs, particularly kidneys.

Main Results:

• Injected egg albumen is incompletely excreted, with retention influenced by absorption speed, duration in the body, and injection quantity.
• Excreted albumen is partially metabolized to urea, leading to increased total nitrogen excretion.
• Albumen injection can cause a transient rise in body temperature and mild kidney congestion, but no significant long-term lesions.
• Alkali-albumin and muscle proteins are completely retained.

Conclusions:

• The body incompletely excretes injected egg albumen, with significant portions metabolized.
• Factors such as administration method and time significantly impact albumen retention and excretion.
• While generally well-tolerated, albumen injection can induce mild physiological and histological changes, suggesting careful consideration in therapeutic applications.