Pantothenic Acid Deficiency in Experimental Renal Hypertension in Dogs

Abstract

The arterial pressure of renal hypertensive dogs fed a pantothenic acid-free diet fell to normal levels; concurrently they showed extreme weakness, skin lesions, anorexia and diarrhea. Adrenal extract and glucose and saline infusions failed to cure the syndrome. Following administration of pantothenic acid the blood pressure returned to hypertensive levels and the general condition of the animals improved. A renal hypertensive dog treated with DDD showed moderate decrease in blood pressure, but only after other symptoms and signs suggested intoxication. It failed to respond to Ca pantothenate. The adrenal cortical atrophy, especially of the fasciculata and reticularis, with intact glomerulosa did not interfere with maintenance of hypertension of renal origin. The high plasma gamma-globulin concn. observed in renal hypertensive dogs decreased with the development of pantothenic acid deficiency. Albumin, alpha and beta globulins showed no consistent changes. Weight loss of 15% due to caloric restriction was not associated with change in arterial pressure. Total plasma protein rose slightly, albumin fell while-alpha-1, alpha-2 and beta-globulin showed no decisive change.