THIAMINASE, THE CHASTEK-PARALYSIS FACTOR

Abstract

Chastek paralysis, caused by feeding certain raw fishes to animals, is a manifestation of an acute thiamine deficiency. The Chastek-paralysis factor in raw fish is an enzyme, called thiaminase, which splits the dietary thiamine into its pyrimidine and thiazole components. A co-factor, possibly manganous ion or glutathione, is necessary for the activation of dialyzed prepns. of thiaminase. The partial purification of thiaminase is described. Thiaminase is present in many fresh-water fishes, notably the Cyprinidae. It also occurs in the Atlantic herring, a fresh-water mussel and several marine invertebrates. The greatest concn. of the enzyme in carp is in the viscera and gills, but none is present in the body muscles of this form. Use of thiaminase has been made in preparing thiamine-free diets for exptl. animals. The significance of thiaminase in human and animal nutrition is discussed.