Effect of Pyridoxine Deficiency on Blood Volume Measured by RI131SA and Organ Weights in Rats.

Abstract

Dietary deprivation of pyridoxine in rats of both sexes does not change blood and plasma volumes measured by RI131SA (radiolodinated serum albumin) technique. The average total blood volume of 28 rats was found to be 6.821[plus or minus]72 ml/100 g body weight, which is considerably higher than the values reported by others using the Evans blue method. Comparison of the wet and dry weights or various organs reveals that pyridoxine deficiency results in a true hypertrophy of liver, kidneys, spleen, adrenal, and testes and an atrophy of thymus. This indication of the changes of organ weights may be significant toward further studies of functional disturbances due to the inadequate intake of this vitamin.