Effect of age on the activity of arginase of the liver and kidney cortex of rat

Abstract

The activity of arginase in the homogenates of the liver and the kidney cortex of 6-, 30- and 96-week-old rats was determined to evaluate the efficiency of urea production during ageing. The activity of the liver enzyme was higher at 6 weeks when expressed as units/g wet wt. However, on the basis of both the organ and body weights, highest activity was observed at 30 weeks after which there was no change. The activity of the enzyme of the kidney cortex showed a similar pattern of change as that of the liver. It is suggested that the 6-week-old rat is more efficient in eliminating its ammonia as urea than the old rat. This may be of significance in the ageing process of the rat. © 1969.