Abstract
Summary
Control and hypothalamic-hyperphagic rats were injected daily with pyridoxine hydrochloride at dosage levels of 10, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 μg/day for 32 days. Body weights and food intakes were measured throughout the experimental period; erythrocyte glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activities (GPT) were measured at the termination of the experiment. Based on body weight changes, it is suggested that vitamin B6 requirement is in the range 80-120 μg/day for both control and hyperphagic rats. However, a daily dose of at least 200 μg is required to elicit maximum erythrocyte GPT activity. A significant correlation between vitamin intake and enzyme activity was observed thus indicating a direct relationship. There appeared to be no evidence of an increased requirement for vitamin B6 as a consequence of hyperphagia and therefore, it is concluded that in the rat, requirement for this vitamin is not related to calorie intake.
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