Effect of the Luxus Consumption of Meat Upon the Kidney of the Albino Rat

Abstract

During the course of investigations on the effect of high protein (meat) diet on growth, 1 voluntary activity, 2 and nitrogen excretion during a fast, 3 some 43 animals became available for pathological examination. Of these animals 23 belonged to the high protein group, while the remaining 20 were controls. The two groups were of approximately the same age, but as a result of the difference in diet the high protein animals were about 20% heavier than the controls. The control animals were fed on our regular stock diet which consists of whole wheat flour, 62.5%, dry casein, 15%, skim milk powder (analac), 15%, CaCO₃, 1.5%, cotton seed oil 5% and water, 10%. To this mixture an appropriate amount of cod liver oil was added. We have computed that this ration contains 29% protein, 57% carbohydrate, and 14% fat. Each animal in the experimental group in addition to this stock ration was given daily, 8 gm. of fresh lean beef cooked rare. The average food intake of the control group was 14.4 gm. daily, which equaled 55 calories, 29% of which was furnished by protein. Each experimental animal in addition to its 8 gm. of meat, ate 12.4 gm. of the stock ration daily. This made a total daily caloric intake of 64 calories, 36% of which was furnished by protein. The average daily urinary nitrogen for the control group was 0.78 mgm. while for the experimental group it was 1.51 mgm. per gram of body weight.

Dr. R. R. Durant determined, by the direct method, the blood pressure of 8 of the control and 7 of the experimental animals. In the control group systolic pressure varied from 102 to 130, with an average of 120 mm. of mercury.