Effect of Crystalline Vitamin B 12 on Experimental Anemia in Mice. ∗

Abstract

Summary

The number of red blood cells per unit volume, but not hemoglobin concentration, was increased by crystalline vit. B₁₂ injected intraperitoneally into mice rendered anemic by the administration of phenylhydra-zine hydrochloride. The mice were maintained prior to and during the experiment on a chemically-defined diet probably containing a relatively small amount of vit. B₁₂ but adequate quantities of other hematopoietic substances. The increase in red blood cells, particularly during the first 4 days of severe anemia, was found to be directly proportional to the amount of vit. B₁₂ administered. These results suggested the possible development of an assay procedure for the determination of vit. B₁₂.