The Lack of Nerve Degeneration in Uncomplicated Vitamin B1 Deficiency in the Chick and the Rat

Abstract

The administration of β-carotene or percomorph oil together with riboflavin removed all evidence of pathology in the peripheral nerves of vitamin B₁ deficient chicks or chicks fed an adequate ration at a restricted level of intake. Neuropathology was seldom observed in a rat on a vitamin B₁ deficient but otherwise adequate diet. Recovery from B₁ deficient symptoms in the rat by the administration of crystalline vitamin B₁ produced a marked histologic reaction in the liver. It is concluded from these studies that uncomplicated beriberi is not accompanied by peripheral nerve degeneration.