By measuring vitamin E levels in the plasma, livers, and uteri of
5 month old rats, we determined that rats in the VED group were
deficient in vitamin E (Fig.1). Plasma and uterine vitamin E levels in
the VED group were significantly reduced compared to controls
(P < 0.01), while those in the liver did not differ significantly between
groups. This confirmed that the VED group was deficient in
vitamin E. It is well established that the liver is a major storageorgan for vitamin E, and that hepatic stores of vitamin E may be
essential in maintaining basic life function in rats. While the uterus
is not a critical organ for basic life, it is clear that its reproductive
function is highly sensitive to vitamin E levels.