The vitamin B2 complex. Differentiation of the antiblacktongue and the P.-P. factors from lactoflavin and vitamin B6

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Abstract
Monkeys resembled human beings or dogs, but differed from rats, in being unable to survive on a basal diet deficient in the human antipellagra, or canine antiblacktongue factor (vits. B1, B6 and lactoflavin provided). They were protected by concentrates or supplements known to contain the P.-P. (or antiblacktongue) factor, viz., Eli Lilly "343" liver-extract powder, or yeast, or by the substitution of whole wheat for the maize of the basal diet. Symptoms of the deficiency disease in monkeys included marked loss of appetite, diarrhoea and vomiting, and there was a rapid fatal termination, the lesions of the skin not being prominent. The 3d portion of the vit. B2 complex, distinct from lactoflavin and vitamin B6, which is needed to prevent pellagra in human beings and black-tongue in dogs was concerned likewise in protection against the newly described disease of monkeys. Further expts. showed that dogs need supplements both of vit. B6 (e.g., maize) and antiblacktongue factor (e.g., liver extract) to prevent nutritive failure on a synthetic diet containing vit. B1 and lactoflavin. Egg white in moderate amounts was ineffective as a source of either vit. B6 or antiblacktongue factor for dogs. The comparative needs of rats, dogs, monkeys and pigeons for the several components of the vit. B2 complex were discussed.