Sulfate Metabolism in Vitamin A-Deficient Rats

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency has been shown to produce a reduction in the sulfation process. Somatomedin, a growth hormone dependent factor has also been shown to stimulate the uptake of sulfate by cartilage. Studies were therefore carried out on vitamin A-deficient rats to determine both in vitro and in vivo uptake of sulfate by cartilage, the activity of enzymes believed to be involved in the sulfation process and overall sulfate kinetics. In addition any possible interrelationship between vitamin A and somatomedin was also looked into. The results of the study showed that the in vitro uptake of sulfate by cartilage in the presence of plasma is lowered in vitamin A-deficient animals. Enzymes involved in the sulfation process and overall sulfate kinetics however remained unaltered.