Some Histopathologic Observations on Chicks Deficient in the Chick Antidermatitis Factor or Pantothenic Acid

Abstract

These data indicate that pantothenic acid is necessary for the maintenance of the normal intact structures of the spinal cord. Nicotinic acid, riboflavin or vitamin B₁ were not effective in preventing the spinal cord pathology in chicks fed ration 241H, while molasses proved to be effective. Chicks suffering from dermatitis often showed thymus involution, liver damage and keratitis and dermatitis in the skin. Fatty livers frequently occurred and were not prevented by riboflavin when thiamin was also fed. The synthetic pantothenic acid made from the β-alanine ester and the acid chloride portion of the alkali-inactivated liver concentrate were highly effective in eliminating the spinal cord pathology. Pantothenic acid is necessary for the prevention of the neuropathology of the spinal cord in chicks suffering from dermatitis.