Calcium and Manganese Concentrations in Different Tissues of Clinically Vitamin A Deficient Rats.

Abstract

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups and fed two types of synthe- tic diets for 52 days. A (-) group was fed vitamin A deficient diet ad libitum. PF, pair-fed, and A (+) groups were given restricted amount or allowed free access to control diet respectively. In brain, calcium concentration was significantly higher in the A (-) group when compared with the other two groups. In tibia, calcium concentration was significantly lower in the A (-) group compared with the other two. In testis, calcium and manganese concentrations were significantly higher in A (-) group than PF and A (+) groups. These results suggest that vitamin A deficiency affects normal metabolism of calcium and manganese in some tissues of rats.