The effect of algal protein diets on the regeneration of serum and liver proteins in protein depleted rats

The protein quality of algaeSpirulina platensis was evaluated biochemically in adult albino rats by serum protein regeneration studies. Rats depleted for 12 days were repleted for 15 days with diets containing 10% protein derived from algae, methionine supplemented algae, or casein. On protein depletion, the activity of the hepatic enzymes, succinic dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase, were lowered while the activity of alkaline phosphatase increased. Protein repletion with algal and casein diets resulted in an increased activity of succinic dehydrogenase and alanine amino transferase and a decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity. However, the levels of these three enzymes were lower with the algal than with the casein diets. Algal diets regenerated serum protein effectively though to a slightly lesser extent than casein.