ERYTHROCYTE/PLASMA DISTRIBUTION OF AMINO ACIDS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

A paper Chromatographie study was performed of the amino acids in red cells and plasma in healthy adults, in malignant disease, active inflammation, hepatitis epidemica, hyperthyreosis, and in some cases of pernicious and acquired haemolytic anaemia. A significant increase in the erythrocyte/plasma distribution ratios for several groups of amino acids was found in malignant disease, and in active inflammation. The ratios were significantly elevated also in hepatitis epidemica but not as much as in acute bacterial infections representing a more active type of inflammation. Untreated pernicious anaemia had normal distribution ratios, but they increased during treatment simultaneously with the increase in the reticulocyte counts. Acquired haemolytic anaemia with elevated reticulocyte counts also showed high distribution ratios. There is evidence to suggest that the elevated erythrocyte/plasma ratios of amino acids are the result of combined effects of several hormones regulating protein and amino acid metabolism. © 1968.