ARSENIC IN THE NUTRITION OF THE RAT

Abstract

On a basal ration of mineralized cow''s milk, which contained 40 [gamma] of arsenic per liter (or about 2 [gamma] per 50 cc, the daily consumption), additions of 1 and 5 [gamma] arsenic per day to young rats at weaning had no effect on the rate of growth, Hb level, or R.B.C. level, or fragility of R.B.C. These levels of arsenic seemed to cause a slight initial delay in the rate of fall of Hb when these rats were changed from the mineralized milk diet to whole milk without Fe and Cu. As had no effect on the rate of regeneration of Hb in young anemic rats on Fe or on Fe + Cu. Blood analysis showed that about 80% of the arsenic is concentrated in the cells. The normal level is about 30-35 [gamma] As per 100 cc. blood, although the level depends to a marked degree on the As intake.