Metabolism and Distribution of I-labelled Albumin in the Pig.

The biological behaviour of porcine (131)I-albumin has been investigated in 11 normal pigs, weight appr. 20 kg. Mean values obtained from the experiments are: Albumin degradation: 15.1 +/- 2.1 per cent/day (0.18 +/- 0.01 g/kg/day), extravascular: intravascular albumin ratio: 1.71 +/- 0.29. Fecal excretion of radio-activity ranged from 0.77-1.87 per cent of the dose (mean: 1.11 per cent) during the first 4 days of the experiment.The results are discussed with special reference to the rôle of the gastrointestinal tract in health and in various digestive disorders.