RED CELL STROMA PROTEIN RICH IN VITAMIN B12 DURING ACTIVE REGENERATION

Abstract

During active blood regeneration in anemia in dogs an increase occurs in the stroma protein of the red cells. When vitamin B12 with radioactive Co is given at the start of this blood regeneration one finds concentration of labeled B12 in the stroma protein but not in the hemoglobin. After the actue phase of red cell regeneration is ended the concentration of B12 in stroma protein falls rapidly to very low levels within 2 weeks. Subsequent episodes of red blood cell regeneration seems not to cause remobilization of radioactive Co into red cells from other body stores. It appears that the vitamin B12 is a factor of importance in the first steps of stroma protein formation in the first few days of the life of the red cell in the dog. This response in dogs and the response in pernicious anemia to vitamin B12 may have some points in common. Distribution of the B12 radioactive Co in the organs and tissues at autopsy was recorded. Some very suggestive localizations were noted and some variation 1 week and 7 weeks after B12 injections. Radioactive Co escapes in the urine during the weeks following B12 injections.