Abstract
This study wa performed to investigate the effects of dietary protein and fiber on the lead and protein metabolism in lead poisoning rats. Seventy male rats of Sprague-Dawley strain weighing 172$\pm$2g were blocked into 14 gropus according to body weight. Protein(casein) was given at levels of 15 or 40%, and fibers(pectin, cellulose and CMC) were given at levels of 0, 4 or 10%. The results are summarized as follows: 1. Food intake, weight gain and food efficiency ratio(FER) in groups fed high protein diets were higher than those in low protein groups. Liver weight in groups fed no dietary fiber was higher than that of animals fed fiber. Kidney and femur weights were greater in high protein groups. Tibia and femur lengths, and tibia weight were not significantly different among groups. 2. Hemoglobin content and hematocrit values showed no significant differance with dietary factors. 3. Total protein contents of serum and liver showed no significant difference, but tended to increase with increasing dietary protein level. Both daily urinary and fecal nitrogen excretions in high protein groups were higher than those in low protein groups. Especially daily fecal nitrogen excretions in high dietary fiber groups were significantly high. Body nitrogen absorption rate was the highest in animals fed no fiber. 4. Pb levels in blood, liver, kidney and bone tended to decrease with high dietary protein and fiber levels. Especially Pb level of kidney was high in all groups. Daily urinary Pb excretion showed no significant difference with dietary factors, but fecal Pb excretion increased significantly in high protein and fiber groups.