Metabolic responses to the protein-free, high-carbohydrate diet and subsequent food restriction on the same diet at the level of 50% and 75% has been studied on the adult albino rats. The energy source was either corn starch or sugar.
In experiment I, adult male rats weighing 5098g were divided into two groups 10 rats each. Rats fed on the stock diet served as a control. Rats of restriction group received a protein free diet until they reduced their weight down to 400g and continue on a protein-calorie restriction diet until they reduced their weight down to 300g.
In experiment U, 28 adult male rats and the same numbers of female rats weighing 3295g and 2234g respectively were divided into four groups, 7 males and females in each. Rats fed on a stock diet were sacrificed at the point when others started a protein free diet. These were served as the controL
The protein free group received´ a protein free diet ad libitum for 4 weeks. The 50% restriction group and 75% restriction group were fed on a protein free diet coupled with food restriction at levels of 50% and 75% respectively for 3 weeks.
In the result of this study:
1. The rate of body weight changes was similar between the males and the females. Feeding protein free diet ad lib. initiated a rapid weight loss of approximately 25% and protein free diet coupled with food restriction showed 3743% reduction of their initial weight.
2. There was no significant differences in the value of the N concentration in liver, spleen, brain and muscle between controls and experimental groups.
3. Rats fed on protein free diet showed 1/10 value of the control in the nitrogen excretion in urine. However female showed less N excretion than male.
4. Observing blood, picture, the effects of protein depletion and calorie restriction were not appeared any remarkable changes.
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