The effect of adrenalectomy and high-protein diet on tumor-altered albumin metabolism.

SUMMARY Accelerated albumin catabolism without a compensatory increase in anabolism leading to decreased serum albumin concentration in tumor-bearing animals was observed. Supplemental high-protein feedings augmented albumin synthesis, which resulted in a return of serum albumin to normal levels in tumor-bearing rats. Adrenalectomy abolished tumor-induced accelerated albumin catabolism.