[Effect of accelerations, additional weight load and hypokinesia on protein catabolism in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)].

Activities of glutamate and xanthine dehydrogenases were measured in four groups of quails (coturnix coturnix japonica): 1) hypodynamic birds which were kept in an area which made 1/4 of the control, 2) birds exposed to an increased weight load, 3) birds exposed to 3g. and 4) control birds. The experimental birds were exposed to the above treatment for 1 to 6 hours a day during 8 days. The birds were fed on a forced basis to eliminate differences in food intake. The activity of glutamate dehydrogenase was measured in the liver and that of xanthine dehydrogenase was assayed in the liver, kidneys and femoral muscle. It was found that increased gravity, weight load and hypodynamics affected the first and last stages in protein catabolism.