CARDIOMYOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH VITAMIN-E-DEFICIENCY IN 7 GELADA BABOONS

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 185  (11) , 1347-1350
Abstract
Between Nov. 1979 and July 1982, 7 captive gelada baboons (T. gelada) died; 5 of them died unexpectedly, 1 died after a 4-mo. history of heart failure and 1 was anemic and dyspneic for 2 days before death. Of those that died unexpectedly, 1 was anemic and 4 were clinically normal. At necropsy, all baboons had white or pale patches of myocardium. Histologically, fibrosis and acute myocytolysis were observed in the myocardium. Three affected baboons were tested for plasma .alpha.-tocopherol content and were found deficient. Four unaffected baboons were given vitamin E for 24 mo. and plasma .alpha.-tocopherol content returned to normal. Blood Se content was determined in 1 affected baboon and was normal. [Implications with respect to the vitamin E content of the animal feed and its association with the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy were discussed.].