Effect of Vitamin E on Lipid Composition of Submandibular and Lacrimal Glands in Rats 1

Abstract

Summary

The effects of different levels of vitamin E on SMSG and lacrimal gland lipids were studied in rats. Feeding of purified diets containing 0, 250, or 2500 IU vitamin E/kg of diet was initiated during gestation and continued throughout lactation and then to the pups until 1 month after weaning. SMSG and lacrimal glands were extracted for lipids and the effects of vitamin E on lipid and fatty acid composition were examined. Total lipid content was not affected by different levels of vitamin E. Total lipid phosphorus was, however, decreased with an increase in dietary vitamin E. Vitamin E content of the SMSG and lacrimal glands was increased by severalfold depending upon the level of dietary vitamin E. The fatty acid composition of total lipids, neutral lipids, and phospholipids showed that the levels of C_{20:3 ω9} were reduced and those of C_{20:3 ω6} were increased as the dietary levels of vitamin E were increased. This resulted in a decrease in the ratio of C_{20:3 ω9} to C_{20:3 ω6.}