The Effect of α-Tocopherol, α-Tocopherylhydroquinone and Their Esters on Experimental Muscular Dystrophy in the Rat

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A relatively severe state of muscular dystrophy characterized by extensive muscle lesions, creatinuria, and reduced growth was produced in rats fed a vitamin E-deficient diet devoid of antioxidants. Alpha-tocopherol and related compounds were administered daily to these animals by intravenous injection and the effect on creatine excretion and muscle lesions was determined in a two-week test period. Both α-tocopherol and α-tocopherylhydroquinone caused a prompt fall in creatine excretion to the normal level and cured the muscle lesions. Alpha-tocopherol acetate produced a slower fall in creatine excretion and residual muscle lesions were present at the end of the test period. The disuccinate of α-tocopherylhydroquinone exhibited little antidystrophy activity even when injected at 4 times the molar level of the other compounds.