NITROGEN-UTILIZATION IN MICE BEARING EHRLICH ASCITES TUMOR TREATED WITH ACINETOBACTER GLUTAMINASE-ASPARAGINASE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 41  (6) , 2051-2055
Abstract
The effects of Acinetobacter glutaminase-asparaginase [an antitumor agent] (AGA) on protein and energy requirements [which may be related to its toxic side effects] were evaluated in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumors. In an initial experiment with normal mice, a zero protein diet resulted in a significant decrease in carcass N, liver N, and carcass energy relative to the animals on a normal, low or high protein diet. In a 2nd experiment, mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumors were randomized into diet groups (zero or normal protein) and treatment groups (daily injections of AGA or 0.9% NaCl solution). In both treatment groups, the zero protein diet resulted in significant decreases in weight, liver N, carcass N, and carcass energy. Neither tumor nor AGA treatment affected body composition or the efficiency of N utilization. By day 8, either the zero protein diet or AGA treatment significantly reduced ascites volume and tumor N content relative to controls. In a modification of experiment 2, AGA treatment was stopped on day 8, and all animals were given a normal protein diet. AGA, but not the zero protein diet, significantly enhanced ultimate survival. The requirements and utilization of energy and nitrogen may be normal in mice with Ehrlich ascites tumor whether or not they are treated with AGA.