Metabolism of normal and tumour tissue

Abstract

As has been indicated in Part VIII of this series [Dickens and The calculation of the theoretical values of R.Q. from protein oxidation is difficult, but arbitrary values showing the order of R.Q. to be expected may be derived using Loewy's [1911] figures for the analysis of meat protein and assuming the complete elimination of the protein-nitrogen as ammonia, urea or uric acid. When this is done the values obtained are approximately 0 94, 0-8 and 0 7 respectively. If, then, protein oxidation becomes an appreciable part of the total aerobic metabolism, the R.Q. may be greatly altered in a direction determined by the nature of the nitrogenous end-product, so that for the interpretation of the R.Q. it is important to establish the extent and nature of the protein oxidation and to assess its influence on the respiratory measure- ments.