Pyridoxal Phosphate (B 6 -al-PO 4 ) Levels in Organs,Leukocytes and Blood of Rats with Developing Vit. B 6 Deficiency. ∗

Summary

Pyridoxal phosphate levels were determined in the heart, liver, kidney, muscle, circulating leukocytes, plasma and whole blood of rats on a synthetic diet with and without added Vit. B₆. Concentration of B₆-al-PO₄ decreased in all tissues and in leukocytes, blood and plasma significantly within 1 to 2 weeks in animals on the deficient diet. The levels of pyridoxal phosphate diminished within 5 to 6 weeks to 10 to 15% of control values in all organs, circulating leukocytes, plasma and blood. It is concluded that measurement of pyridoxal phosphate in organs as well as in leukocytes, plasma and whole blood can serve as a sensitive indicator for assessment of the nutritional state of the animals in regard to Vit. B₆.