Pyridoxal Phosphate in Plasma and Leukocytes in Patients with Leukemia and Other Diseases. ∗

Abstract

Summary

The amount of coenzymatically active Vit. B₆ was determined in plasma and leukocytes in patients with various diseases. Values for plasma and leukocytes varied widely in all groups examined. A statistically significant decrease of plasma B₆ was found only in patients with nutritional anemia and various forms of leukemia. However, the amount of pyridoxal phosphate was very low in individual patients with various other diseases. This may indicate a decreased intake of vitamin in some hospitalized patients or an increased need for it. B₆ values in leukocytes were consistently decreased in patients with various forms of leukemia. In contrast, cells from normal bone marrow and from tonsils showed significantly higher amounts of pyridoxal phosphate. The findings are discussed with reference to a specific disturbance in B₆ metabolism in some neoplastic conditions.