M. G. Vavich

Prenatal and postnatal mortality of offspring of cyclopropenoid fatty acid-fed rats.

Summary Cyclopropenoid fatty acids fed to female rats in the form of Sterculia foetida oil caused a decrease in mating behavior, fertility, and fetal and newborn viability. At the 3% level in the diet, S. foetida oil completely prevented reproduction. At the 2 and 1% levels, it caused pre- and postpartum death of offspring. No teratological effects were observed, but degenerative changes and necrosis inconsistent with survival were seen in fetal and newborn livers and kidneys. Hemorrhages into the lung alveoli resulting in anoxia appeared to be the immediate cause of postpartum death.

Histornorphological Changes in Reproductive Organs of Rats Fed Gyclopropenoid Fatty Acids.

Summary Reproductive tissues of rats fed cyclopropenoid fatty acids show definite retardation of follicular development, alteration in corpora lutea, and lack of development of the uterus. Reproductive failure is total in female rats fed a 3% S. foetida oil diet. Results indicate disturbance of the pi-tuitary-gonadal axis when cyclopropenoid fatty acids are fed.

Effect of Sterculia foetida oil on uptake of water by the avian egg yolk.

Summary The yolks of eggs from hens having a one-egg clutch average took up significantly more water than those from hens having 2-4 egg clutch sizes. Yolks from hens having 2, 3, and 4 egg clutch, sizes showed no significant differences in water uptake. Yolks from eggs stored overnight and from hens given Sterculia foetida oil were not significantly heavier and did not take up more water than eggs from hens given corn oil. However, when the eggs were stored one month the yolks from the hens fed Sterculia foetida oil increased 20% in weight and showed an 80% greater water uptake than those from the corn oil fed hens.