The Preparation of Labeled Albumin for Turnover Studies

Abstract

The preparation of labeled-serum albumin for turnover studies has assumed increasing importance in recent years. Whereas originally the study of turnover with albumin appeared to be primarily of basic and theoretical interest, more recently it has assumed practical and clinical importance. This latter fact has come about because certain syndromes associated with low serum albumin and excessive loss of albumin into the gastrointestinal tract can only be diagnosed by the use of labeled albumin, and calculation of turnover rates. Since the inception of turnover studies various techniques of labeling have been developed. Considerable controversy has existed and still exists as to their relative merits.

Presented at the Seventh Symposium on Advances in Tracer Methodology, March, 1963.