DIETARY CONTROL OF THE WATER CONTENT OF THE SKIN OF THE ALBINO RAT

Abstract

The skin of albino rats fed a high fat-low carbohydrate ration for 70 days contained a lower % of water than that of litter mates on a high carbohydrate-low fat ration. On the latter the % water content of the skin was less than on a well diversified stock ration. Differences in the total water content of the entire body on the various rations are attributed to the differences in the water content of the skin. The % water in the skin was in inverse relationship to the fat and in direct relationship to the protein content. Differences in the % water content of the skin on the various rations were apparently due to the differences in the amt. of fat deposited in the tissue. A sex difference was observed in various constituents of the skin, the fat content being higher and the % protein and water lower in the [female][female] than in the [male][male].