Effect of alpha-retinyl acetate on growth of hamsters fed vitamin A-deficient diets.

The capacity of the alpha-isomer of retinyl acetate to support growth in hamsters fed a vitamin A-deficient diet was assessed over a 40-fold dose range. Although decreased relative potency of the alpha isomer, as compared with the beta isomer, was found, sustained weight gain and survival for 6 months were achieved with a weekly intraperitoneal dose of 300 mug of the alpha isomer. An intraperitoneal dosage of alpha-retinyl acetate resulted in greater activity than an oral dosage.