95Nb-labelled albumin for the study of gastrointestinal albumin loss.

Abstract

Preliminary studies have shown that 95Nb-albumin is a suitable test substance for detection of gastrointestinal protein loss. In the present study further experience with 95Nb-albumin is reported. Twenty-three patients including five with protein-losing gastroenteropathies received simultaneous intravenous injection of 95Nb-albumin and 131I- (or 125I-)albumin. The initial distribution volume and the degradation rate of the two labelled proteins were compared. When purified by passage through a DEAE column, 95Nb-albumin yielded values which differed only slightly from those of 131I-albumin. Gastrointestinal 95Nb-clearance was elevated in all patients with protein-losing gastroenteropathies. It is concluded that, with an improved 95Nb-albumin preparation, data can be obtained on both albumin turnover and the size of an abnormal albumin loss in the gastrointestinal tract. However, further improvement of 95Nb-albumin preparation technique is still desirable.