A comparison of the effects of a 20% corn oil diet and a 20% corn oil diet supplemented with 13-cis-retinoic acid on total serum tryglicerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids in the rat

Eight male Fischer 344 rats were fed a casein-based, 20% corn oil diet (controls), and eight were fed the same diet supplemented with 13-cis-retinoic acid at a level of 100 mg per kg diet. After two weeks, the animals were etherized and blood obtained by cardiac puncture. Blood samples were collected and serum prepared for determination of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Serum cholesterol and phospholipid levels in the rats fed the diet supplemented with 13-cis-retinoic acid were not significantly different from the control animals; however, their serum triglyceride levels were elevated, being 343% of control values. The addition of 13-cis-retinoic acid did have a significant elevating effect on serum triglycerides. This effect was specific for this lipid fraction; the two other main lipid fractions were not effected.