The influence of propyl gallate and α-tocopherol on the survival time of rats during fasting

Abstract

A toxicological investigation was carried out in order to repeat and extend the findings of Bukhman (Vop. Pitan. 1962, 21, 68) concerning the toxicity of propyl gallate in fasting rats. Rats were given a diet containing 0·002 or 0·004% propyl gallate or α-tocopherol. After 13 wk some of the animals were sacrificed, while the remaining rats were placed on a partial starvation diet until death. The survival time was recorded. Chemical determinations of water, protein and fat content were made on the sacrificed animals as well as on those that died. No difference in survival time or in protein and fat utilization was found between the control groups and the groups which received propyl gallate or α-tocopherol. The results of Bukhman could not be confirmed.