Blood chemistry changes in mice fed high levels of polyoxyethylene sorbitan derivatives

Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (PSML) or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (PSMS) was fed to two series of C57BL/6 mice at either 5% or 10% concentrations for periods of 12 and 26 weeks. A depressed blood glucose concentration was shown for all experimental male diet groups. Male controls exhibited a significantly higher blood glucose level than did female controls. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations were slightly decreased in both sexes fed PSML-10%, PSMS-5%, or PSMS-10%. No sex difference was noted. All experimental diet groups, male and female, exhibited increased total serum protein. The most elevated total serum protein values were in male diet groups fed PSML-5% or PSML-10%. Male controls showed a significantly higher serum cholesterol concentration than did females, but no general pattern could be established for experimental diet effects.