Sodium and Potassium in Supraspinatus Muscle from Hypervitaminotic A Holstein Calves

Abstract

Since enlarged adrenal glands and kidneys as well as internal edema have been observed in calves fed toxic vitamin A intakes, concentrations of sodium and potassium were determined in the supraspinatus muscle of 23 calves 21 weeks old. Ten control calves were fed vitamin A acetate equivalent to 54 or 108 micrograms retinol per kilogram live weight per day for 12 weeks prior to obtaining the muscle, six mildly toxic fed 8,800 micrograms, and seven severely toxic fed 17,600 micrograms. Supraspinatus muscles of the hypervitaminotic A calves contained less dry matter; greater ash per unit of dry matter; and greater sodium per unit of fresh tissue, dry matter, and ash than controls. Potassium concentration was essentially unaffected. Because of lack of difference in potassium content but less dry matter and greater sodium in muscle of the hypervitaminotic A calf, these alterations were considered to be of multiple origin, involving a number of glands and organs affected by toxicity.