The concentration of coenzyme-like substance in blood following the administration of nicotinic acid to normal individuals and pellagrins

Abstract

The bio-assay of blood V-factor was accomplished by means of Haemophilus parainfluenzae; V-factor represented the di- and tri-phosphopyridine nucleotide coenzymes, and possibly, closely related substances which were unknown. Nicotinic acid (or amide) did not give the test. V-factor was confined to the corpuscles. About 20 mg. nicotinic acid per kg. taken in 1-10 days increased V by 35-75% in 2-10 days in normal individuals and pellagrins. The rapid rise in V was followed by a fairly rapid fall to the original level.