Vitamin B 12,a Factor in Prevention of Hydrocephalus in Infant Rats. ∗

Abstract

Summary

After female rats, on a diet that contained soybean oil meal as a source of protein, became depleted of the factor that prevents hydrocephalus, the incidence of the abnormality among the offspring was 28%. The addition of a vit. B₁₂ concentrate to the diet or the injection of crystalline vit. B₁₂ in the dams during the early stages of gestation prevented the abnormality in the young animals and increased their viability. Hydrocephalus was not prevented by folic acid alone, but it has not been determined whether vit. B₁₂ alone is effective or whether both folic acid and vit. B₁₂ are required.