Biochemical Features Induced by Adenine Feeding in Rats. Polyuria, Electrolyte Disorders, and 2,8-Dihydroxyadenine Deposits

Abstract

Levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate were examined in rats fed on an adenine diet. Among the electrolytes in the serum, potassium decreased significantly in the adenine-fed group as compared with the control group. A decrease was observed in the level of serum calcium on feeding with an adenine diet. Though a significant decrease in phosphate was noticed in the adenine-fed rats which were kept for 6 to 12 days, the level of phosphate was increased at the 18-30th day as compared with the control group. However, serum sodium concentration was maintained within a relatively narrow range. On the other hand, the animals that continued on the adenine diet showed a significant rise in the urinary excretion of sodium, potassium, and calcium during the test period. Dietary adenine decreased the amount of urinary phosphate. In addition, 2, 8-dihydroxyadenine content in kidneys increased during the test period, while a significant increase in the urinary excretion of 2, 8-dihydroxyadenine was seen until the 12th day of the feeding period. Furthermore, the results of the present study showed that feeding of adenine to rats produced a significant increase in the urine volume. However, there were no appreciable changes in the water intake of the control and adenine-fed groups throughout the experimental period. © 1984, Center for Academic Publications Japan. All rights reserved.