SEXUAL DIFFERENCES IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF EPITHELIAL ALTERATIONS IN VITAMIN-A-DEFICIENT RATS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (1) , 61-69
Abstract
Male and female rats maintained on a vitamin A-deficient diet showed sex-related differences in several pathological features. Males developed severe manifestations of hypovitaminosis A earlier than females, more extensive squamous metaplasia of the trachea and more severe sialoadenitis, especially of the submaxillary gland. Females presented earlier and more extensive squamous metaplasia of the renal pelvis. The underlying causes of sexual dimorphism in these pathological features are not known but hormonal influences are suggested.