A vitamin e response in a young dog

Abstract

Extract

Matill and Conklin (1920) reported that rats fed only dried cow's milk were unable to reproduce. Evans and Bishop (1922) showed that the cause was a deficiency of a hitherto unrecognized dietary factor to be named vitamin E, then, in 1936, when it was isolated in pure form, tocopherol. They showed that oestrus, mating and all detectable changes associated with the early stages of pregnancy, including implantation, occurred quite normally in the deficient rats. Their diet included 9% butterfat. From as early as the second day, however, placentae showed blood extravasations which increased in extent. Foetuses died and were resorbed with the placentae.