Action of N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine in Tocopherol Deficiency Diseases

Administration of DPPD to growing rabbits and rats fed a Vit. E-low diet does not modify rate of depletion of vitamin from the liver. Tocopherol content of skeletal muscle was essentially unaffected by dietary restriction. DPPD was as effective as α-tocopherol, at level administered, in bringing about a remission of muscular dystrophy and creatinuria in rabbits maintained on diet devoid of tocopherols. Ability of DPPD to partially regenerate sterile female rats maintained on Vit. E-free diet was confirmed. These findings indicate that the effectiveness of DPPD as a substitute for Vit. E is not due to conservation of the vitamin in tissues or to the presence of residual tocopherols in the diet.