Effect of Pyridoxine Deficiency upon Delayed Hypersensitivity in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Pyridoxine-deficient guinea pigs inoculated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, BCG exhibited depressed delayed-hypersensitivity skin reactions to the allergen, purified protein derivative (PPD). Deoxypyridoxine treatment of previously sensitized animals also depressed skin reactivity. However, in vitro tests and passive transfer experiments demonstrated that cells of the pyridoxine-deficient animals were sensitive to PPD. Altered skin sensitivity may be explained not by a lack of cellular sensitivity, skin tissue changes, or inanition but by a depressed ability of sensitized cells to react with PPD.