The effects of Acinetobacter
glutaminase-asparaginase (AGA) on
protein and energy requirements were evaluated in mice bearing Ehrlich
ascites tumors. In an initial experiment with normal mice, a zero
protein diet resulted in a significant decrease in carcass
nitrogen, liver
nitrogen, and carcass energy relative to the animals on a normal, low, or
high protein diet. In a second experiment, mice bearing Ehrlich
ascites tumors were randomized into diet groups (zero or normal
protein) and treatment groups (daily
injections of AGA or
0.9% NaCl solution). In both treatment groups, the zero
protein diet resulted in significant decreases in weight, liver
nitrogen, carcass
nitrogen, and carcass energy. Neither
tumor nor AGA treatment affected body composition or the efficiency of
nitrogen utilization. By Day 8, either the zero
protein diet or AGA treatment significantly reduced
ascites volume and
tumor nitrogen content relative to controls. In a modification of Experiment 2, AGA treatment was stopped on Day 8, and all animals were given a normal
protein diet. AGA, but not the zero
protein diet, significantly enhanced ultimate survival. These experiments indicate that the requirements and utilization of energy and
nitrogen are normal in mice with
Ehrlich ascites tumor whether or not they are treated with AGA.