Protein excretion after prolonged exercise.

Random urine samples were obtained from 16 healthy subjects (nine men and seven women) before and after a 100 Km hill walk for the estimation of total protein, albumin, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), retinol binding protein (RBP) and creatinine. The excretion of total protein, albumin and NAG (expressed in relation to creatinine excretion) increased significantly after the walk. The relative clearance of protein and albumin also increased. In four subjects serial measurements were made for 4 days and the excretion of albumin and NAG on the fourth day were similar to the pre-walk values. We conclude that proteinuria of prolonged exercise is at least partly due to reduced tubular reabsorption.