[Methodologic aspects of the determination of N-exchange parameters from 15N-tracer studies in swine on the basis of models of N-metabolism. 3. Calculation of protein synthesis and decomposition rate on the basis of lysine flux, ascertained from the amount of 15N in the urine].

The final product method introduced here is based on the use of 15N L-Lysine as tracer amino acid for the determination of the protein synthesis and decomposition quotas of the total body with the flux of lysine. For this purpose it is necessary to complete the N flow and N compartments of the 3-pool model by the values of lysine content. The ascertained values of protein synthesis--8.4 g/d/kg--and protein decomposition--6.9 g/d/kg--agree very well with those determined with 15N glycine as tracer amino acid.