Auxanographic detection of experimental murine uremia with Cryptococcus neoformans

A modified blood residual nitrogen plate auxanographic method was applied to the detection of experimental uremia in a murine model. The yeast-like fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans, was used as the indicator. Transient uremia was induced by injection of 0.2 ml glycerol intramuscularly. The low molecular weight nitrogen levels were estimated by measuring the diameter of the auxanogram at intervals of 2 hr for 24 hr and at 32 hr after the glycerol injection. After 4 hr, elevated levels of low molecular weight nitrogen were found. Maximum levels occurred 20 hr post glycerol injection. This method requires only 5 microliter of whole blood per assay. The results can be read after an incubation time of 24 hr at 26 degree C. The stability of the prepared plates was determined to be at least 96 hr at 4 degree C. The ease of use, reliability and versatility of the modified auxanographic method are discussed.