Fig. 8.

Effect of Rhcg deletion on ammoniagenic enzyme response to low-protein diet. Top: immunoblot analysis of PDG expression in renal cortical proteins in mice with Rhcg deletion in response to dietary protein restriction. While on control, 20% protein diet, PDG expression was significantly greater in Rhcg KO mice than in WT mice. In response to 6% protein diet, PDG expression decreases in both genotypes and does not differ between mice with intact Rhcg expression or with Rhcg deletion. Middle: immunoblot analysis of effect of Rhcg deletion on PEPCK expression. Similar to PDG, Rhcg deletion induced an increase in PEPCK expression on control 20% protein diet. Dietary protein restriction with 6% protein diet decreased PEPCK expression in both genotypes, and expression did not differ in response to Rhcg deletion. Bottom: effect of Rhcg deletion on glutamine synthetase expression. Rhcg deletion induced decreased glutamine synthetase expression while on 20% protein diet. Dietary protein restriction increased glutamine synthetase expression in both genotypes, and expression did not differ in the 2 genotypes. Values are means ± SE; n = 5/group on WT mice and global Rhcg KO mice.