Thiamin Deficiency in the Lamb: Changes in Thiamin Phosphate Esters in the Brain

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Abstract
Concentrations of thiamine (unphosphorylated), thiamine monophosphate (TMP), thiamine-diphosphate (TDP) and thiamine triphosphate (TTP) were measured in 3 regions of the brain of 7 pairs of lambs. The lambs were maintained on a thiamine-free synthetic diet for 2, 3 or 4 wk. Controls were pair-fed and supplemented with thiamine. The 3 brain regions were dorso-lateral aspect of the cortex [common site for lesions of polioencephalomalacia (PEM)]; 2 pyriform lobe of the cortex (no PEM lesions are found here); and white matter of the internal capsule (no PEM lesions found here). The concentration of TTP in all 3 sections of brain was maintained at control values for up to 4 wk on the thiamine-deficient diet. TDP concentration decreased to 22% of control values in both regions of grey matter after 4 wk on the diet. Unphosphorylated thiamine and TMP decreased to a smaller extent than TDP.