The metabolism of transferrin in burned patients.

The metabolism of transferrin was studied in 17 selected burned patients. Transferrin metabolism also was studied in 5 of the patients after healing. The concentration of plasma transferrin in burned patients, measured by radial immunodiffusion, was reduced to 300 mg% for the first week following injury. Thereafter it rose steadily reaching the normal concentration of 350-360 mg% 35 days after injury. Traces of transferrin were present in urine a week after injury. Transferrin was labeled by injecting 14C-glucosamine intravenously following injury and again after healing was complete. Labeled transferrin was isolated from serum by specific immunoprecipitation. The specific activity of transferrin reached a peak 3-6 hr after injury and 9-12 hr after healing. The half-life time was 4.5 days during injury and 9.6 days after healing. The data indicated that both synthesis and catabolism of transferrin were accelerated in injury.