Biochemical features induced by adenine feeding in rats. Polyuria, electrolyte disorders, and 2,8-dihydroxyadenine deposits.

Levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphate were examined in rats fed on an adenine diet. Among the electrolytes in the serum, potassium decreased significantly in the adenine-fed group as compared with the control group. A decrease was observed in the level of serum calcium on feeding with an adenine diet. Though a significant decrease in phosphate was noticed in the adenine-fed rats which were kept for 6 to 12 days, the level of phosphate was increased at the 18-30th day as compared with the control group. However, serum sodium concentration was maintained within a relatively narrow range. On the other hand, the animals that continued on the adenine diet showed a significant rise in the urinary excretion of sodium, potassium, and calcium during the test period. Dietary adenine decreased the amount of urinary phosphate. In addition, 2,8-dihydroxyadenine content in kidneys increased during the test period, while a significant increase in the urinary excretion of 2,8-dihydroxyadenine was seen until the 12th day of the feeding period. Furthermore, the results of the present study showed that feeding of adenine to rats produced a significant increase in the urine volume. However, there were no appreciable changes in the water intake of the control and adenine-fed groups throughout the experimental period.