THE THYROID AND ABSORPTION OF VITAMIN B12IN RATS1

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Abstract
The absorption of vitamin B12 and the concentrations of vitamin B12 in the plasma and liver were measured in normal rats and in rats in which the thyroid activity was altered. It was found that the absorption of an oral dose of radioactive vitamin B12 is markedly reduced after thyroidectomy and that the thyroid hormone treatment readily normalizes absorption in thyroidectomized rats. However, the administration of intrinsic factor (IF) prepared from rat stomachs did not improve absorption in such animals. The measurement of IF activity in the stomach demonstrated that the amount of IF in the stomach is not reduced in thyroidectomized rats. It seems, therefore, that the thyroidal influence on the absorption of vitamin B-2 is not mediated through the production of IF. A possible hormonal regulation acting directly on the intestinal wall for the absorption of vitamin B12 has been discussed.

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