EARLY SKELETAL AND VASCULAR CHANGES IN RATS FED ON SWEET PEA (LATHYRUS ODORATUS) SEEDS

Abstract

The main findings in this experimental work on rats fed on lathyrus odoratus (sweet-pea) meal are as follows: 1. Growth is retarded. 2. The growth plate is disorganised and normal ossification at the metaphysis is interfered with. 3. The small blood vessels are seriously affected and probably contribute quite largely to the disorganisation and lack of calcification. 4. Alkaline phosphatase activity is increased. 5. Raising of the periosteum and laying down of new bone result in exostoses. The possible underlying etiology and the role of cement substance, endocrine factors and the blood vessels are discussed.