Species-specific features of tocopherol content in carnivorous mammals in autumn

Abstract

A comparative study of the major liposoluble antioxidant, vitamin E (α-tocopherol), content was conducted in carnivorous mammals (polar fox, silver fox, raccoon dog, mink, sable) in late autumn under naturally dropping temperature. The highest vitamin E content in the liver and kidney was found in the polar fox and raccoon dog, obviously due to seasonal metabolic changes and ecological specialization determining the accumulation of considerable amounts of tocopherol both in polar and hibernating species. To explore the features of vitamin E accumulation, a tocopherol-loading test was implemented on three species (polar fox, silver fox, mink). It was shown that the polar fox, as compared with the silver fox and mink, exhibits a higher ability to reserve vitamin E. The established differences in the tocopherol content and distribution pattern among different species should be considered as a genetically fixed reaction to the environmental impacts underlain by metabolic differences in animals with dissimilar ecological specialization. The ability of tocopherol to accumulate in tissues and organs allows considering its essential role in stabilization of the antioxidant system and ensuring thereby a seasonal cold resistance.