Alterations in Rat Serum Proteins in Single Deficiencies of Folic Acid and Vit. B 12. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. In Vit. B₁₂ deficient rat there is a decrease in serum levels of albumin and α₁-globulin. In PGA deficiency these fractions are affected to a lesser extent but there is, in addition, a significant drop in levels of β- and γ-globulins. Reductions in serum levels of albumin, α₁-globulin and γ-globulin in combined deficiency of Vit. B₁₂ and PGA are greater than those in single deficiencies of either vitamin. 2. In Vit. B₁₂ deficiency, an increase in proportion of β-globulin is attended by increase in relative concentration of free Vit. B₁₂ in serum. It is suggested that there may occur a preferential synthesis of β-globulin in the deficient state whereby mobilization of the available vitamin may be effected. 3. The observed alterations in serum level of γ-globulin are similar to the known effects of corresponding vitamin deficiencies on antibody synthesizing ability of the animal.