Urea formation in nephrectomized mice

¹ Department of Biochemistry, Division of Basic Health Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; and Department of Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island

The rate of increase of blood urea levels in nephrectomized mice has been studied under a variety of conditions which might influence protein catabolism. Oral administration of substantial amounts of carbohydrates or intravenous administration of 5% glucose led to an increased rate of urea accumulation. The intravenous administration of 20% glucose slowed the rate of urea increase. However, this apparent protein-sparing action could be simulated by the administration of a hypertonic solution of sorbitol.