An effect of neoplasms on glutamic acid metabolism in the host.

Abstract

1. Two strains of rats in which tumors were produced by methylcholanthrene or by implantation have shown increased levels of free glutamic acid in the blood plasma. 2. Chick embryos with implanted tumors are susceptible to superimposed glutamate. These embryos exhibit an impairment in the production of uric acid from glutamic acid. 3. Rats with tumors do not produce urea from glutamic acid to the same extent as do comparable controls, and thus exhibit an impairment in the utilization of superimposed glutamate. 4. The glutaminase activity of chick embryos or of the livers and kidneys of rats is not altered by the presence of neoplasms. 5. There is a significant increase in aspartic-glutamic transaminase in the livers of tumor-bearing rats. The administration of aspartate to such animals causes a severe elevation in plasma free glutamic acid.