Absorption and Distribution of Vitamin A in X-Irradiated Rats.

Abstract

The absorption of vit. A alcohol by young female rats at varying intervals during the first week following 625 r whole body radiation was studied 6 and 10 hrs. after a test dose of vit. A. Absorption after a 6-hr. test is slightly less in radiated than control animals during the first 24 hrs. post-radiation. From the 1st to the 6th day post-radiation the radiated rats show an increased absorption. After a 10-hr. test, absorption by the radiated animals is 6-8% less than in control animals. This diminished absorption occurs during the first 6 days post-radiation. Liver content of vit. A in the radiated animals is diminished after both 6-and 10-hr. expts. The carcass values are increased in the radiated animals at the end of 6 hrs., but return to control values by 10 hrs. Adrenal content of vit. A, on the other hand, is less in the radiated than the control rats at 6 hrs. and is increased above control rats at 10 hrs.