Effect of dietary protein depletion on the galactose elimination capacity in intact rats
Vilstrup, H.; Keiding, S.
Journal of Nutrition 106(10): 1492-1496
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3166 PMID: 966073 Document Number: 107334
The galactose elimination capacity (GEC) of rats fed to appetite on low-protein liquid diets with 5 or 0.5% of the energy as protein was compared with that of a control group receiving a similar diet with 25% of the energy as protein. The daily dietary energy intake was almost identical in the 3 groups. The rats on the 5% protein diet showed slightly higher GEC than the control group. In the rats receiving the 0.5% protein diet, GEC was significantly decreased to about half of the control values and the hepatic protein content was reduced to the same extent. Bodyweight and liver weight showed reductions to about 75% of control values. Triglyceride content in the livers was increased 5 times in the protein depleted rats. The results indicate that GEC in rats deprived of dietary protein is based on the amount of hepatic protein.