Alterations in Rat Serum Proteins in Single Deficiencies of Folic Acid and Vit. B12.

Abstract

In the vitamin B12 deficient rat there is a decrease in serum levels of albumin and ai-globulin. In PGA (pteroyl glutamic acid) deficiency these fractions are affected to a lesser extent but there is, in addition, a significant drop in levels of [beta]- and [gamma] -globulins. Reductions in serum levels of albumin, a1-globulin and [gamma]-globulin in combined deficiency of vitamin B12 and PGA are greater than those in single deficiencies of either vitamin. In vitamin B12 deficiency, an increase in proportion of /[beta]-globulin is attended by increase in relative concentration of free vitamin B12 in serum. It is suggested that there may occur a preferential synthesis of /[beta]-globulin in the deficient state whereby mobilization of the available vitamin may be effected.