The origin of endogenous uric acid

Abstract

The source of the endogenous uric acid of the urine has been the cause of much speculation and experimentation for years. The theories that it arises from glandular or muscular activity, however, have claimed most attention.Experiments have been conducted on man to determine the effect of activity of the alimentary apparatus upon the excretion of endogenous uric acid. To this end a comparison was made of the hourly uric acid excretion during a fasting condition and that when the digestive glands had been stimulated in various ways. The succagogues employed were pure nutrients—protein, fat and carbohydrate and combinations of these—pilocarpine and alcohol. In addition the effect of the laxatives phenolphthalein, castor oil and Epsom salt was investigated. These may act either by increasing peristalsis or the secretion of water into the intestine, or both, according to the laxative employed and the amount. The action of atropine under conditions where a secretion of digestive juices would be expected—after ...