Abstract
Summary
A solution of either glycerol in saline or saline alone was administered by stomach tube to groups of guinea pigs and rabbits. Their plasma and cell cholesterol levels and their red blood cell count were compared over periods of 30 to 50 days. Guinea pigs given more than 5 ml of a 50% glycerol solution daily died with acutely toxic symptoms. Rabbits tolerated at least 10 ml daily. In neither species of animals did the level of the plasma or cell cholesterol show consistent changes attributable to the intake of glycerol. It appears probable that in the guinea pig the intake of glycerol is accompanied by an anemia.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.