Mechanism of foetal wastage following immunoneutralization of riboflavin carrier protein in the pregnant rat: disturbances in flavin coenzyme levels

Abstract
Immunoneutralization of maternal RCP results in a >90% decrease in the content and the incorporation of [2‐14C]riboflavin into embryonic FAD as well as a percentage redistribution of both embryonic FMN and riboflavin. This is unaccompanied by any discernible changes in flavin distribution pattern in the maternal liver. Embryonic α‐glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and NADPH‐cytochrome c reductase register significant decreases in activities in the RCP antiserum‐treated rats. These alterations readily explain the arrest of foetal growth culminating in pregnancy termination in the antiserum‐treated animals.