Optic atrophy in experimental vitamin B12 deficiency in monkeys

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Abstract
The clinical findings and pathological changes of the visual pathway of vitamin B12 deficient monkeys were described. The cellular morphology and counts of the peripheral blood and bone marrow remained normal during the study (9 deficient, 3 controls: 1 still alive in each group). Visual impairment was noted in all 7 of the deficient animals that were evaluated by clinical observations. Ophthalmoscopic examination disclosed optic atrophy in 6 of the 7 deficient monkeys. Degeneration of the visual pathway was demonstrated by pathological examination in 8 of the deficient group of 9 (1 is still alive). Loss of ganglion cells was noted in the maculae of 2 of 3 deficient animals with completed studies. In the 3 control animals there were neither visual disturbances nor ophthalmoscopic changes and in 2 animals autopsies disclosed no lesions in the visual pathways. The 3rd animal is still alive and well.