Effect of protein deficiency on absorption, transport and distribution of α-tocopherol in the rat

Abstract

The absorption, transport and distribution of α-[³H]tocopherol were greatly decreased in protein deficiency. This was reflected in the subcellular distribution of α-[³H]tocopherol in livers of protein-deficient rats. The ratio, bound: free for α-[³H]tocopherol, also decreased in both serum and liver cytosol. After protein refeeding, absorption, transport and distribution patterns of α-[³H]tocopherol for the protein-deficient rats were restored to patterns similar to those of control animals.