Marginal protein deficiency in pregnant rats. Changes in offspring body composition

The influence of protein on some biochemical parameters in the liver, brain and plasma of rats at weaning was studied. The tissue parameters studied were the amounts of DNA, RNA and protein in the liver and brain. For the plasma, the parameters studied were the total amount of protein and the ratio of non-essential to essential amino acids (ratio NE/E). During the gestation and lactation period, the rats were divided into three groups according to the diet received: group 1, 20% casein; group 2, 8% casein; and group 3, 8% corn. As a result we can assert that groups 2 and 3, fed on hypoprotein diets, were seriously compromised in body weight and in the biochemical parameters and these alteration were enhanced by the corn diet. These results suggest that the alterations depend on the duration and intensity of the malnourishment and that the quality of the protein is an important factor to be considered.