Abstract
In 1925, the senior author, who had been keenly interested in the endocrine glands since 1912, was struck by the fact that several medical writers had shown that thyroid extract was beneficial in cataract and certain other eye diseases involving keratization. Accordingly, he began experimenting with rats depleted of Vitamin A, using various iodin compounds.
Among the interesting discoveries was the fact that on a normal diet tiny quantities of iodin would induce greater growth. Subsequent studies carried on with various associates seemed to indicate quite definitely that xerophthalmia and other symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency would yield to iodin treatment, and the most effective combination proved to be with extremely small doses of ferrous iodide. 1
Our studies of the efficiency of ferrous iodide have been carried on during 1929 and 1930, and we are convinced that the action of iodin is largely responsible for the prevention and cure of xerophthalmia, in our rats. But as the present findings indicate, the iodin-iron combination which is so effective in curing the major symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency, cannot replace the growth factor, since the iodin introduced is not balanced by unsaturated fatty acids such as are also present in cod liver oil.
Thirty-six young rats, 30 days of age, and averaging about 35 gm. in weight, were placed on a diet deficient in Vitamin A and low in Vitamin D (Sherman No. 380), on January 24, 1930. Individual round (Sherman) cages were used, and distilled water was constantly before the animals. Weights were taken twice each week.
After xerophthalmia and constant or reduced weight had indicated depletion, the animals were divided into 6 lots, with split litters and corresponding weights, and all but the 2 sets of controls were furnished 1/100 mgm. of irradiated ergosterol daily, beginning April 4.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.