URINE 349 



(occurring at times in healthy individuals after excessive exer- 

 tion, etc.), orthostatic proteinuria (a form in which the pro- 

 tein disappears from the urine if the patient is kept lying 

 down), and lordotic proteinuria (a form accompanying lordo- 

 sis, a variety of spinal curvature). 



It should be borne in mind, however, that the nucleoprotein 

 may have its origin from disintegrated cells, which may be 

 present in large amount. 



METAPROTEIN. 



The proteins present in the urine, may be converted, by acids 

 or alkali present, into the metaproteins. Ascertain the chem- 

 ical reaction of urine and neutralize clear urine carefully. If 

 precipitation occurs, heat; the derived albumin will be coagu- 

 lated and will not redissolve on adding acid or alkali. 



PROTEOSES AND PEPTONES. 



These forms may appear in the urine occasionally. 



52. Neutralize and boil the clear urine to remove coagulable 

 proteins. Filter and to the nitrate, slightly warm, add a few 

 drops of potassium ferrocyanide solution and 10% acetic acid. 

 If a precipitate appears, it is proteose. Heat and it will dis- 

 appear ; cool and it will reappear. 



53. To clear urine, previously acidified and boiled, add ex- 

 cess of solid ammonium sulphate and a few drops of acetic 

 acid; proteoses, if present, will be precipitated. Filter. Dis- 

 solve the precipitate in distilled water and apply the biuret 

 test. Ammonium sulphate interferes with the reaction and 

 must be removed with barium carbonate. 



A specimen of urine may be dialyzed and the diffusate tested 

 for peptones with the biuret test. 



Carbohydrates. 



The carbohydrates most frequently found in the urine are 

 dextrose and lactose. In addition to these, pentoses, levulose, 

 galactose, and saccharose may occur. These substances are 

 detected by the usual reduction, phenylhydrazine and fermen- 

 tation tests, or by the optical activity of the urine containing 



