Changes in lysosomal hydrolase activity associated with malnutrition in young rats

Abstract
1. Total lysosomal hydrolase activities were measured in liver, gastrocnemius muscle and plasma of malnourished and normal rats between 3 and 8 weeks of age.2. Concurrently, the DNA and protein contents of the livers and muscles were determined.3. Increased amounts of acid hydrolase activities were found to be associated with subnormal protein: DNA ratios in the tissues of malnourished rats.4. It was concluded that lysosomal enzymes may be involved in protein catabolism during malnutrition.