Effect of certain proteins and amino acids on the incorporation of 14 C-leucine into the frog kidney protein.

The effect of protein and amino acid charges was studied on protein synthesis, proteases and cytochrome oxidase in the kidney homogenates of frog. The gamma globulins and basic proteins, decreased the protein synthesis as well as the protein degradation while the albumins and acidic proteins showed an opposite effect, suggesting a high protein turnover rate in the kidney of frog. Lysine and glutamic acid followed the trend of gamma globulins and albumins, respectively. The energy producing systems as indicated by cytochrome oxidase activity was proportionately stepped up by the albumins. It is suggested that the elevation of albumin content in the kidney may promote the turnover rate of protein and this information may be helpful in understanding the mechanism of kidney degeneracy.