Fat-deficiency disease of rats. The relative curative potencies of methyl linoleate and methyl arachidonate with a note on the action of the methyl esters of fatty acids from cod liver oil

Abstract

Methyl arachidonate was prepared from pig''s liver and from ox suprarenal glands. The material was tested curatively on rats receiving the fat-free diet of Burr et al. in simultaneous comparisons with methyl linoleate. In confirmation of the work of Turpeinen, methyl arachidonate was found to be more active than methyl linoleate in promoting wt. increase; its activity in curing skin lesions was, however, no greater than that of methyl linoleate. Methyl arachidonate, like methyl linoleate, unless given in very small doses, continued to exercise a beneficial effect for some time after dosage had been suspended. Methyl esters of cod liver oil fatty acids were given prophylactically to young rats on the fat-free diet. The activity in promoting wt. increase and in giving protection against skin lesions was very slight.