Effect of Certain B Vitamin Deficiencies on Gastric Secretion in the Rat

Abstract

Summary

1. The influence of various individual B vitamin deficiencies on gastric secretion has been investigated in the pylorus ligated rat. Pyridoxine deficiency sharply reduced acid secretion. This effect was completely reversed by pyridoxine given only 16 hours before the start of the secretory test. Thiamine deficiency markedly depressed acid secretion. Nicotinic acid deficiency did not depress secretion, while riboflavin and pantothenic acid deficiencies produced only small depressions. 2. Neither aureomycin nor vit. B¹² had any effect on gastric secretion when added to the complete basal diet, although each increased weight gain slightly. 3. Pepsin secretion was not markedly depressed in any of the deficiencies studied, with the possible exception of thiamine. Pyridoxine deficiency increased both concentration and total output of pepsin.