THE ROLE OF THE VITAMINES OF THE BCOMPLEX IN ESTROGEN METABOLISM

Abstract

Deficiency in the vits. of the B-complex decreases the ability of the rat''s liver to inactivate estrone and [alpha]-estradiol. Such a deficiency also decreases the response of the rat to [alpha]-estradiol injected subcut. In these rats, the response to other estrogens injected subcut. showed the same general tendency. The addition of choline chloride, pyridoxin or calcium pantothenate to the deficient diet fails to affect the deficient hepatic inactivation of estrone and [alpha]-estradiol. In contrast to this, thiamin hydro-chloride and riboflavin are capable of restoring the ability of the liver to inactivate estrone and [alpha]-estradiol to normal levels. The effect of thiamin hydrochloride is independent of its effect on appetite. Both inanition and B-complex deficiency greatly decrease the ability of the rat''s liver to inactivate diethylstilbestrol. Choline chloride, pyridoxin, riboflavin. thiamin hydrochloride, and Ca pantothenate all failed to restore this deficient inactivation to normal.