Severe Calcium Deficiency in Growing Rats

Abstract

Growing rats reared on a synthetic diet containing about 10 mg. calcium per 100 gm. food developed a condition characterized by the following syndrome: (a) retardation of growth; (b) decreased food consumption; (c) high basal metabolic rate; (d) reduced activity and sensitivity; (e) osteoporosis or low calcium rickets; (f) abnormal posture and gait; (g) susceptibility to internal hemorrhage which results in prostration, paralysis of the hind quarters (frequently fatal), encrusted nostrils, bleeding from the anus, and black, diarrheal feces; (h) a large increase in the volume of the urine; and (i) reduced span of life. The hemorrhages and their consequences of prostration and paralysis are easily induced by a mild galvanic shock. Rats suffering from the effects of calcium deprivation again become normal in appearance, reactions, and chemical composition a few weeks after they are supplied food with an adequate amount of calcium. The injection of calcium salts almost invariably causes the death of the calcium-deprived animals within a few hours.