Biotin-Pantothenic Acid Interrelationship in Rats Fed Succinylsulfathiazole

Summary

Biotin deficiency induced in weanling rats by the feeding of a succinylsulfathiazole containing purified ration may be aggravated by superimposing a deficiency of pantothenic acid. The feeding of biotin protected against these changes and, in addition, appeared to lessen the severity of the syndrome associated with a lack of pantothenic acid. Calcium pantothenate, fed prophylactically, was completely protective against deficiency signs usually associated with the absence of pantothenic acid. Furthermore, signs of a mild degree only of biotin depletion were observed and the period required to produce such changes was extended beyond that observed in the absence of pantothenic acid. Rats receiving both biotin and calcium pantothenate were free from signs of both deficiency states.