The effects of
vitamin B(6) deficiency on metabolic activities of brain structures were studied. Male Sprague-Dawley weanling rats received one of the following diets: (1) 7
mg pyridoxine HCl/kg (control group); (2) 0
mg pyridoxine HCl/kg (
vitamin B(6)-deficient group); or (3) 7
mg pyridoxine HCl/kg with food intake restricted in quantity to that consumed by the deficient group (pair-fed control group). After 8 weeks of dietary treatment, rats in all three groups received an
intravenous injection of 2-deoxy-[(14)C]
glucose (100 microCi/kg).
Vitamin B(6) status was evaluated by plasma
pyridoxal 5'-phosphate concentrations. The
vitamin B(6)-deficient group had significantly lower levels of plasma
pyridoxal 5'-phosphate than did the control and pair-fed groups. The local cerebral
glucose utilization rates in structures of the limbic system, basal ganglia, sensory motor system, and hypothalamic system were determined. The local cerebral
glucose utilization rates in each of the four brain regions in the deficient animals were approximately 50% lower (P < 0.05) than in the control group. Results of the present study suggest that serious cognitive deficit may occur in
vitamin B(6)-deficient animals.