Changes in ornithine decarboxylase in kidney in experimental diabetes. Correlation with severity of diabetes and effects of unilateral nephrectomy.

Ornithine decarboxylase (L-ornithine carboxylase; EC 4.1.1.17) (ODC) activity falls to approximately 30% of the control value in diabetic rat kidney 4 weeks after induction of diabetes with alloxan. The extent of this fall was related to the severity of diabetes based on parameters such as body weight, blood glucose and adipose tissue weight. The diabetic rat kidney did not attain the same high level of activity of ODC as did that of the control group 24 h after unilateral nephrectomy, however, the percentage stimulation in the two groups was essentially similar.