EFFECT OF FOOD RESTRICTION FOR 4 WEEKS ON COMMON TOXICITY PARAMETERS IN MALE RATS

A chemical mixed with the diet often interferes with food consumption. As a consequence many biological changes may be induced by underfeeding. Therefore, the effects of food restriction for 4 weeks on common toxicity parameters were studied in male rats. Diet consumptions of 5, 10, and 15 g/day/rat and ad libitum (unrestricted) were used. Body weight gains of all restricted groups were depressed and many absolute organ weights were lower than those of the unrestricted diet group. Relative organ weights of the brain and the testes were increased while that of the liver was decreased in all restricted groups. Leukocyte counts were depressed with decreasing food consumption. The concentrations of triglyceride and inorganic phosphorus in all restricted groups were lower than those of the unrestricted group. The activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were lower in the restricted groups than in the unrestricted one. The toxicological significance of these findings is discussed. © 1979.