The magnitude of the acute phase protein response is attenuated by protein deficiency in rats

The effect of protein deficiency on the acute phase reaction was studied in rats by artificially inducing inflammatory response with the subcutaneous injection of turpentine. The results showed that protein deficiency in rats weakened the acute phase response to inflammatory stimulus. Growth was also sluggish because of the decrease in available amino acids needed for protein synthesis. This enhanced amino acid degradation in muscle and increased transport to the liver for protein synthesis. The inflammatory response of protein deficient rats was attenuated because of lower total protein concentration.