EFFECTS OF β-CAROTENE ON THE STABILITY OF RBC-MEMBRANE STRUCTURE IN RATS

Objective: To study the effect of β- carotene(β-C) on lipid peroxidation and RBC-membrane fluidity of rats inflicted with alloxan. Methods: Forty-four 2mo-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed with basal diet (group A and B), basal diet + vitamin E (200 mg/kg) (C) and basal diet+β carotene (200 mg/kg) (D) for 4 w respectively. Then, alloxon (3%) was injected intraperitoneally except group A, which was injected with normal saline. After 48 h the rats were killed and a series of indices were examined. Results: After injected with alloxan, Na +,K +-ATPase and GSH-Px activity, RBC-membrane fluidity in rats fed with diets C,D were markedly increased while MDA levels were decreased. Conclusion: β-C and V E can decrease lipid peroxidation and increase the stability of RBC-membrane in rats inflicted with alloxan.