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RECIPROCAL CHANGES IN PLASMA PROTEIN AND PLASMA ACACIA AS RESULT OF HIGH AND LOW PROTEIN DIETS
R E Knutti1, J B Goetsch, R A Warrick
1Department of Pathology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York; and the Departments of Pathology, the University of Southern California School of Medicine and the Childrens Hospital, Los Angeles, California.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
This study shows that the body can store and release gum acacia, a plasma protein substitute. Dogs with stored acacia need more dietary protein to maintain normal blood protein levels.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hypoproteinemia is a condition of low plasma protein levels.
- Gum acacia has been used as a plasma expander and protein substitute.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the body's handling of stored gum acacia in dogs.
- To determine the relationship between dietary protein intake and plasma protein/acacia levels.
- To explore the mechanisms of colloidal material regulation in circulation.
Main Methods:
- Dogs were induced with hypoproteinemia using gum acacia injections.
- Injections were stopped, and dogs were fed diets with varying protein content.
- Plasma protein and acacia concentrations were monitored under different dietary conditions and fasting.
Main Results:
- Plasma protein and acacia levels fluctuated reciprocally with dietary protein intake.
- Total circulating colloid (protein + acacia) remained within normal limits.
- Stored acacia was mobilized from the liver and returned to circulation.
- Dogs with significant acacia deposits required higher protein diets to maintain plasma protein levels.
Conclusions:
- The body can store and mobilize gum acacia, suggesting its role as a colloidal reserve.
- Maintaining plasma protein homeostasis is influenced by the presence of stored acacia.
- Intracellular and extracellular colloidal osmotic pressure differences may regulate colloidal material.
- Plasma proteins and gum acacia may traverse cell membranes.
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