THE METABOLISM OF l-TYROSINE IN INFANTILE SCURVY 1

Abstract

While on a vitamin C free diet, dietary supplements of L-tyrosine (1 g./kg./24 hrs.) to 6 male infants with either clinical or preclinical scurvy produced an hydroxyphenyl-uria which was variable in degree and time of onset. In several instances crystalline tyrosine was excreted. Serum hydroxy-phenyl content was estimated by a micro-method which is described, and was found to fluctuate with changes in the serum amino acid nitrogen values following periods of tyrosine ingestion. The hydroxyphenyluria was abolished by the parenteral admn. of ascorbic acid or multiple injns. of pteroyiglutamic acid, whereas the admn. of vit. B12 exerted no apparent effect.