Age-related changes in albumin-excluded volume fraction

The space available to large macromolecules, such as albumin and globulin, is less than the total interstitial fluid volume due to the dense matrix formed by the interstitial ground substance. Changes in excluded volume are likely to indicate changes in the composition of the matrix. Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Serum, mesenteric tissue, and peritoneal fluid samples were obtained. Albumin contents were determined by microrod electrophoresis. Serum and mesenteric tissue chloride concentrations were measured by the coulometric-amperometric method. Serum and mesenteric tissue sample chloride concentrations were not significantly different, suggesting that this loose connective tissue is composed almost entirely of extracellular matrix. Matrix hydration decreased with a regression slope of -0.014 (microgram tissue water/microgram tissue dry wt)/10 days. Serum and tissue albumin concentrations decreased between 210 and 630 days of age. Mesenteric loose connective tissue albumin-excluded volume fraction increased by 80% over this age range. The increase could not be accounted for by dehydration alone, suggesting that the increase in excluded volume fraction for albumin is also due to changes in tissue glycosaminoglycans or collagen.