The differences of the metabolism related to vitamin B6-dependent enzymes among vitamin B6-deficient germ-free and conventional rats

Abstract

The differences of the metabolism related to vitamin B6-dependent enzymes were investigated using germ-free and conventional rats. There was a significant difference in the body weight gain between vitamin B6-deficient germ-free and conventional rats after about 30days of the experiment, and the body weight gain was much less in the deficient germfree rats than in the deficient conventional ones. Urinary excretion of xanthurenic acid was higher in the deficient germ-free rats than in the deficient conventional ones after 18days. There was a significant difference in the activities of kynurenine aminotransferase in mitochondrial fractions of germ-free rats, but not in mitochondrial fractions of conventional ones. The activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, with or without pyridoxal phosphate, significantly decreased in the deficient germ-free rats, but not in the deficient conventional ones. These findings indicate that the degree of vitamin B6 deficiency was more severe in the deficient germ-free rats than in the deficient conventional ones, and also suggest that intestinal microflora may have some effects on vitamin B6-deficient conventional rats. © 1979, Center for Academic Publications Japan. All rights reserved.