Alpha-Tocopherol Requirement of the Mouse

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Abstract
Seven generations of mice were reared on a synthetic E-low diet with just sufficient α-tocopherol fed to the females to permit the birth of living young and their survival. In such mice there is neither retardation in growth nor any change in the age when the first estrus appears and in the length of the estrus cycle. Females are sterile when α-tocopherol is withheld. Under the conditions described, the administration of 0.5 to 1.0 mg. of α-tocopherol at the beginning of gestation results in the birth of young to at least 85% of the females. Lesions without symptoms of muscular dystrophy may occur at any age in the mouse; occasionally in the newborn and in adults, and to an extent of 15% in the young during the first 35 days of life. Males retain their fertility and never develop testicular degeneration.