THE MECHANISM OF AMMONIA EXCRETION DURING AMMONIUM CHLORIDE ACIDOSIS 1

Abstract
A constant NH4Cl load given to rats resulted in a progressive, stepwise increase to a plateau in the activity of renal glutaminase, which was closely paralleled by a similar increase in ammonia excretion. Maximum ammonia excretion rose in direct proportion to increased glutaminase activity when different NH4Cl loads were given. Adaptation of renal glutaminase was proportional to the acid load given, but independent of the concentration of serum bicarbonate and the content of intracellular K.