Chick Edema Factor

Abstract

Summary

Unsaponifiable matter isolated from a toxic fat and containing an estimated 10 ppm chick edema factor (CEF) was force-fed daily to adult rats at levels of 2.0 cc and 1.0 cc/kg body weight/day in 2 studies of 14 and 6 days, respectively. Feed consumption, body weight, and digestibility were depressed. Heart and spleen weights were unaffected, kidney weights seemed to be slightly increased, and adrenal and liver weights were significantly increased. In the chick, typical hydropericardium,. ascites, and subcutaneous edema were observed. There were no significant changes in heart or spleen weights. Liver weights were significantly increased. The rat was as sensitive as the chick to CEF according to increase in liver weight. Of the 8 or 9 CEF components shown to be in this unsap, 2 (Nos. 4 and 7) were found to be absorbed and located in the liver, while the other components were not detected. In place of Nos. 4 and 7, there were 2 new peaks in the feces with slightly increased retention times. This suggests that the 2 active CEF components are metabolized in the liver and excreted into the intestine via the bile, both in the chick and the rat. No CEF-like material was found in kidneys, adrenals, or urine.