STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN B6 DEPRIVATION ON CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN THE RAT

Abstract

The results of in vivo and in vitro studies on carbohydrate metabolism in the vitamin-B6-deprived rat are reported. All comparisons were made with pair-fed control animals. Within five days of vitamin B6 restriction, rats have significantly lowered fasting levels of blood sugar and liver glycogen. These abnormalities are more marked after 21 days of deprivation and are accompanied by significantly lowered fasting blood levels of pyruvic acid and lactic acid. The activity of lactic acid dehydrogenase, one enzyme involved in carbohydrate metabolism, was measured in vitro and found to be significantly depressed in the vitamin-B6-deprived rat. The conclusion is drawn that an abnormal metabolism of carbohydrate occurs in rats deprived of vitamin B6. This abnormality is evident early in the deprivation period.