Albumin and Globulin Circulation in Experimental Ascites

Plasma containing carbon(14)-labeled albumin and globulin, obtained by feeding epsilon-C(14)D,L.-lysine to a donor dog, has been injected intravenously and intraperitoneally into recipient dogs with experimental ascites. The circulation and interchange of total plasma protein between circulating blood and ascitic fluid have been confirmed and the participation of both albumin and globulin in this interchange has been demonstrated. Labeled albumin tends to reach equilibrium in plasma and ascitic fluid in a shorter period of time (1 to 2 days) than does globulin (2 or more days), after administration of labeled plasma by either route. Evidence is presented that the rate of transfer of albumin across the peritoneal membrane is at least three times faster than that of globulin in terms of weight.