Changes of serum lipids in vitamin K3 (menadione) treated rats
Alarcón, O.M.; Reinosa, F.A.; Silva, L.; Padrón, F.
Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutricion 45(4): 286-289
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-0622 PMID: 9161443 Document Number: 449496
The effect of high doses of vitamin K3 (10 to 50 mg/kg daily of menadione, administered intramuscularly) on the serum content of total lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in male Wistar rats was evaluated. Rats were compared with another group that received intramuscular injections of 10 to 50 mg/kg daily of sodium bisulphite. Hypervitaminosis K3 was diagnosed by jaundice (due mainly to unconjugated bilirubin) and by anaemia which was particularly evident at doses of 40 and 50 mg/kg daily of menadione. These doses of menadione increased serum content of total lipids, phospholipids and triglycerides but decreased cholesterol. Results show that overdoses of vitamin K3 alter lipid metabolism.