Sodium and Potassium Concentration of Brain and Dura Mater in Chronic Hypovitaminosis A of Calves

Abstract

In hypovitaminosis A of calves, elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure characteristic of the deficiency could result in hydrocephalus and increased adrenocortical hormones altering distribution of sodium and potassium in brain. To investigate possible effects on brain as well as on the tentorium cerebelli portion of dura mater, 25 Holstein male calves averaging 54 days of age, 71 kg in weight, and 9.1 μg/100 ml in plasma vitamin A were fed one of four vitamin A intakes equivalent to 4, 16, 64, or 256 μg retinol/kg live weight/day for 16 wk. Increases in live weight were unaffected by vitamin A intake. Incidence of diarrhea and convulsions was greater in the group with 4 μg intake. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressures and occurrence of papilledema were inversely related to intake at 4 and 16 μg. Brain weights were less for the 4 μg intake but not on a live weight basis. Sodium and potassium concentrations of the right hemisphere of the brain did not differ among intakes of the vitamin; however, ash and sodium content of the dura mater of those calves with 4 μg intake tended to be greater than those of calves with the other three intakes. © 1973, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.