Vitamin B12 Sparing Action of Aureomycin in the Rat.

Abstract

Aureomycin was able to replace vit. B12 in the rat maintained on a synthetic diet. When aureomycin was allowed to stand at room temp. or was autoclaved, the antibiotic potency was destroyed. If such aureomycin was given intraperit. or was fed, it was inactive for the growth-promoting effect. It was postulated that aureomycin may decrease the number of Escherichia coli in the intestinal tract of the rat and allow the increase of other bacteria such as Bacillus megatherium which can produce adequate quantities of vit. B12 for rat growth. Intestinal synthesis is in some way concerned with the vit. B12 sparing action of aureomycin.