Studies on the nutritional basis of abnormal behavior in albino rats. V. The effect of pyridoxine deficiency upon sound-induced magnesium tetany.

Abstract

Albino rats of both sexes and mean age of 21 days which "averaged 35 to 40 grams in weight" were observed under conditions of auditory stimulation (resonated buzzer) at daily intervals while on diets deficient in Mg, in pyridoxine, or in both. Matched animals were observed in the same situation while on diets not deficient with respect to these dietary elements. "Young rats uniformly showed vasodilation, hyperirritability, and latent tetany [precipitated by auditory stimulation] after being maintained from five to eight days on a diet deficient in magnesium." Death ensued in an induced or a spontaneous seizure after 10-23 days (av. 17 days) on this deficient diet. A similar group showed 80% recovery with replacement of Mg. Animals on a diet deficient in both Mg and pyridoxine were less sensitive to the sound-induced seizures. "Vasodilation was either alleviated or absent in these animals." Seizures were less severe and survival period was longer for this group. The findings are considered in connection with a hypothalamic theory of tetany. Bibliography of 63 items.