The Effect of Vitamin A and Protein Deficiency on Complement Levels in Rats 1

Summary

The role of protein and vitamin A in the maintenance of serum complement levels was studied using rats reared by a novel system enabling the synchronous induction of vitamin A deficiency and the stringent control of both the caloric and dietary protein input. Protein deficiency leads to a decrease in serum complement levels, whereas vitamin A deficiency enhances complement levels. Additional experiments to determine the relative rates of synthesis and catabolism of complement components in protein and vitamin A deficiency are required if the overall function(s) of these nutrients in determining serum hemolytic activities are to be fully understood.