The metabolism of [3',5',9 (n) -3H] pteroylglutamic acid by chicken liver in vivo. Effects of folate deficiency and vitamin B12 supplementation
Burns, R.A.; Jackson, N.
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift für Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International de Vitaminologie et de Nutrition 52(2): 149-158
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9831 PMID: 7129796 Document Number: 197056
From 14 days old 24 chickens were given a diet deficient in folacin. After 20 days they were given daily intramuscular injections of pteroylglutamic acid 1.5 mg/kg bodyweight or vitamin B-12 0.03 mg/kg. They were given 50 mu Ci [3',5',9-3H]pteroylglutamic acid intraperitoneally 9 days later and were killed at intervals from 1.5 h to 8 days thereafter. Folacin deficiency increased the incorporation into and retention by the liver of [3H]pteroylglutamic acid. The degree of folacin conjugation was unaffected by folacin deficiency but the formyl to methyl folate ratio was decreased. Vitamin B-12 supplements had no effect on the uptake or conjugation of [3H]pteroylglutamic acid but increased the formyl to methyl folate ratio.