Storage and Elimination of Vitamin B12 in the Rat

Abstract

Data are presented on the storage of radioactivity in selected target organs following administration to rats of Co⁶⁰ containing vitamin B₁₂. Noteworthy is the persistence, up to three months, of significant storage in the pancreas. The effects on storage in selected organs of flooding of the host with the vitamin have been studied. In this instance some evidence suggestive of flushing out in liver and pancreas has been found, but the storage of radioactivity in the kindney appears to be unaffected. The state of saturation of the host has been shown to play a role in the extent of storage of a tagged dose in the liver, pancreas and kidneys. In the first two organs, storage is less in the saturated animal; in the kidneys, greater storage is seen.