DISTURBANCES OF WATER METABOLISM IN VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES AND EFFECTS OF ADRENAL CORTICAL HORMONES1

Abstract

Rats on a diet deficient in pantothenic acid show diminished diuresis when water is given by stomach tube, and decreased resistance to water intoxication. These defects are remedied by the admn. of either Ca pantothenate or adrenal cortical hormones. In view of the reported adrenal pathology in pantothenic acid deficiency, the results are consistent with but do not prove the idea that adrenal hypofunction exists in this vit. deficiency. A similar inability to excrete water promptly is seen in riboflavin deficiency, but only during the later stages of deficiency. The prophylactic use of riboflavin prevented these abnormal responses to water; and cortical hormones, given only at the time tests were run, had the same effect.