Albumin metabolism in fasting, obese subjects.

I. Eleven obese subjects fasted for 24 d, by which time their serum albumin concentration had fallen significantly. 1251-labelled albumin was injected on day 7 of fasting to allow study of albumin metabolism. 2. Although no significant alteration occurred in either the intravascular content or the absolute catabolic rate of albumin between days 7 and 24 of fasting, the mean values for both content and catabolic rate were significantly lower than values determined in eight normal subjects. 3. A corresponding fall occurred in the absolute ‘synthesis +transfer’ rate.