Translations:Harnstoff/3/en

The colourless and odourless, crystallizing, water-soluble end product of the protein metabolism in humans and mammals, formed from 2 molecules NH3 (ammonia) of glutamic acid or from the NH2 group of aspartic acid and 1 molecule carbon dioxide (CO2) with the participation of L-ornithine. The excretion takes place through the kidney (12.6-28.6 g/24 h) after complete filtration into the glomeruli and partial reabsorption into the tubuli; it is reduced in renal insufficiency and liver diseases, increased with increased protein breakdown. The normal values in the serum are 100-450 mg/l (and reach twice the value in sweat). Urea forms inclusion compounds with inorganic and organic acids salts, with organic substances; has a protein denaturing effect in concentrated solution.