Vitamins a and E Content in the Tissues of the Bank Vole (Myodes (Clethrionomys) Glareolus) and Common Shrew (Sorex Araneus) Inhabiting in Karelia

Abstract

We studied the vitamins A (retinol) and E (α-tocopherol) content in the tissues of the bank vole (Myodes (Clethrionomys) glareolus) and common shrew (Sorex araneus) inhabiting the northern periphery of its range. The distribution of vitamin A in the common shrew and bank vole tissues was similar, the highest content was found in the liver, and the lowest level was in the heart. Agerelated differences in retinol content were detected in the kidneys of two species, as well as in the skeletal muscle of the shrew. Significantly lower vitamin E content was found in all organs of young shrews before wintering, compared to adult wintered animals, while in the bank vole no such age-related differences were found. Interspecies differences in the levels of vitamins A and E in the liver of overwintered animals were revealed. The results obtained show that vitamins A and E content in the tissues of the bank vole and the common shrew is determined by the metabolic processes and the ecological characteristics of the species. The vitamins level in the common shrew depends largely on age.