STUDIES ON THE SERUM PROTEIN AND THE BLOOD CONCENTRATION OF FARMERS IN THE NORTH-EASTERN DISTRICTS OF JAPAN

Abstract

1. As a result of examination of serum protein by paperelectrophoretic method, it was found that the value of albumin in the serum of farmers was low as compared with industrial workers, but those of α1-, α2-and γ-globulin were high. This fact is related with anemia caused by parasitic worms, eapecially hookworm disease, which affected many farmers.
In comparison with the hypertensive group, the author recognized more cases of hypoalbuminemia in the normal blood pressure group.
2. In the seasonal variations of the fractions of serum, albumin fraction decreased and γ-globulin fraction increased due to their intensive farming labor.
3. In the study of specific gravities of blood, hematcrit and water balance of blood, the author recognized that farmers had peculiar hydremia suggestive of their latent undernutrition.
4. It is not owing to the protein deficiency in their diet, but to the dilution of blood on account of the excessive intake of polished rice and to the accelerated function of adrenal cortex due to the excessive intake of sodium chloride to cope with the cold climate and the heavy physical labor induced by their occupation.