Vitamin A Metabolism in Infection Effect of Sterile Abscesses in the Rat on Serum and Tissue Vitamin A ,

Abstract

Sterile abscesses produced by single or multiple subcutaneous or intramuscular injections of turpentine or sweet almond oil in rats resulted in marked lowering of serum vitamin A concentrations. The liver vitamin A content and concentrations also decreased. The response to oral administration of test doses was, however, normal, and the liver concentrations of vitamin A after a large oral dose did not differ from the normal control animals given similar doses. Vitamin A concentrations in the centers and peripheries of abscesses did not differ from those of normal subcutaneous tissues. As a result of the abscesses, some loss of the vitamin A occurs through the urine. Speculations as to the possible significance of these findings are discussed.