[Possible mechanism of the protective action of alpha-tocopherol in experimental hypoxia]

Lipid peroxidation and content of vitamin E were increased in liver tissue of rats subjected to the effect of acute hypoxia (I hr, 9000 m). In adrenal glands concentrations of vitamin E and adrenaline were distinctly decreased but content of II-hydroxycorticosteroids was increased under these conditions. Preadministration of alpha-tocopheryl acetate (30 mg per kg of body weight within 24 hrs) caused an increase of its content in liver tissue and adrenal glands: the treatment prevented the increase of lipid peroxidation in liver tissue as well as the decrease of vitamin E and adrenaline content in adrenal glands but did not affect the II-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration in adrenal glands and blood serum. The protective effect of vitamin E under conditions of hypoxia appears to be due to its influence on the functional activity of adrenal glands.