Role of Pyridoxine in the Production of Leucocytes in Normal and Leukemic Mice.

Abstract

Pyridoxine deficiency may be produced in mice by the parenteral admn. of 3-4 mg. of desoxypyridoxine daily while maintaining them on a normal diet. On this regimen marked granulocytosis and lymphopenia develop which can be corrected by giving pyridoxine. The leukemia of the Ak mice now being bred in the author''s laboratory is participated in by both granulocytes and lymphocytes. On the above regimen the leukemic granulocytosis is more marked and there is a statistically significant decrease in survival time. Pyridoxine in excess was not shown to have an effect on normal or abnormal leucocyte patterns of mice. It is known that vitamins of the B6 group take part in transamination and decarboxylation. The hypothesis is suggested that the granulocytosis in pyridoxine-deficient mice is due to the failure on the part of the animals to trans-aminate, decarboxylate, or otherwise modify unneeded supplies of granulocyte-building substances, and that the animals thereupon utilize these substances in producing excess numbers of granulocytes. The implications of this hypothesis are discussed.