Occurrence of fits of an epileptiform nature in rats maintained for long periods on a diet deprived of vitamin B6

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Abstract
Fits occurred in rats fed for 4 mos. and longer on a purified synthetic basal diet supplemented with codliver oil, vit. B1, riboflavin, nicotinic acid and purified filtrate factor, but deprived of vit. B6 The fits, which lasted 2-4 min. began with a sudden violent stage in which the rat rushed about wildly leaping into the air and sometimes uttering cries; this was followed by a helpless stage with muscular twitchings and tonic spasms, sometimes leading to complete unconsciousness. Recovery was gradual, the head and fore-limbs gaining power of movement before the hind limbs. The fits were prevented and cured when vit. B6 (10 to 15 [mu]g) was given. Bacteriological examination of rats suffering from fits revealed no evidence of any infective agent. Histo-logical examination of the C. N. S. gave negative results. The occurrence of these fits in rats was analogous to that previously observed in pigs (Chick et al. 1938, Biochem. J. 32. 2207) receiving a similar basal diet, with similar supplements.

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