[Toxicological effect of a fatty acid mixture in rats]

The effects of a fatty acids mixture containing nearly 50% odd numbered fatty acids (PC-Säure) were studied in a subchronic toxicity test in male and female rats. The animals received PC-Säure in their diet at levels of 0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5% for 13 weeks. Food intake was increased at 5% PC-Säure level in males. Food efficiency was initially decreased in males and females of this group. Ingestion of PC-Säure resulted in increases of the urine volume and the urinary lactate dehydrogenase activity in both sexes. Male and female rats fed PC-Säure showed elevated serum activities of alkaline phosphatase and leucine aminopeptidase and decreases in serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Dietary PC-Säure elevated the serum creatinine content in males at the two highest levels. A transitory increase in the activity of the serum alanine aminotransferase was observed in females fed 5% PC-Säure. Increased liver and kidney weights were found in both sexes.