ARGININE METABOLISM IN THE BLOOD CELLS OF CATTLE AND GOATS

Active arginase was found in the cells of cattle blood, but not in those of goats. Blood cells of cows contained no arginine. When 14 C arginine was incubated with the blood of cows, 14 C ornithine could be detected in both cells and plasma. More arginine was found in the cells of goat blood than in the plasma. After incubation with 14 C arginine, no 14 C ornithine was found in goat blood. The possible role of blood cells in urea production is discussed.