Studies in the physiology of vitamins

Abstract

A similarity in the physiological effects of vitamin B and substances which promote secretion has been alleged by several investigators. 1 We have examined a number of solutions such as extracts of rice polish, wheat embryo, navy bean and yeast, and neutralized tomato juice, demonstrated to contain vitamin B, for their possible action on the secretory function of the pancreas and liver. The products used were tested for vitamin B content on polyneuritic pigeons, and on dogs which had lost their appetite for several days after having been fed a diet lacking this dietary essential. Vitamin B has been shown to restore appetite in such animals. 1 The effect of the products on the flow of pancreatic juice and bile was noted in anesthetized dogs in which the pylorus was ligated to prevent secretion due to discharge of acid chyme from the stomach, and the gall bladder bile was prevented from discharging by ligation of the cystic duct. Normal dogs and dogs fed a diet lacking vitamin B were used. It is planned to experiment upon polyneuritic dogs as well. Fresh secretin solutions prepared by the usual method were injected as a control.

Except in the case of tomato juice, all of these products gave negative results. The secretin solutions, however, in comparatively small amounts always produced a characteristic and vigorous flow.