Effects of starvation and dehydration on ;
T he muscles; During starvation and dehydration the body fats are depleted and is characterized by increased gluconeogenesis from glucogenic amino acids. This results in the increased degradation of body protiens and rapid weight loss. (muscles.)
The bone marrow; Erytropoiesis was markedly depressed (fails to make sufficient new cells),decrease in the total lymphocyte and platelet count.
;The kidneys; the persons metabolism gradually switches from predominently glucose utilization to predominantly fatty acid utilization . At this point there is a danger that the patient may produce an excess ketone bodies as result of low oxaloacetate levels and rapid fatty acid degradation .Since ketone bodies are acidic , they result in potentially dangerous decrease in blood plasma PH. In addition , the kidneys are constantly excreting K+ but reabsorbing most Na+. This alters the Na+/K+ ratios and effects the transmissinon of nerve impulse .Thus' eletrolyte levels in the urine must be monitored and K+ion losses compensated by ingestion of a solution containing this ion.