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Effects of Pyridoxine Deficiency on the Lymphatic Organs and Certain Blood Components of the Neonatal Chicken¹

Division of Animal Production and Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

The effects of pyridoxide deficiency on the lymphatic organs and selected blood components were studied in the neonatal chicken. One hundred and fifty newly hatched broiler-type chicks were alloted to 3 treatments in three replicate experiments of 2-week duration. Treatments were 1) purified vitamin B₆-deficient diet, 2) purified vitamin B₆-adequate diet, and 3) practical vitamin B₆-adequate diet, ad libitum. Typical clinical signs of vitamin B₆ deficiency were observed with the first treatment. There was a significant atrophy of the spleen, thymus and bursa in the deficient chicks as well as a microcytic polychromatic hypochromic anemia. Total serum protein concentration was signifiantly lower than normal, as was the serum albumin which declined to one-third to one-fifth of the control values. The deficiency caused a significant increase in a ß₂-macroglobulin and ß₁-lipoprotein. Immune ₂-globulin (IgG) was not affected. The data indicate that vitamin B₆ deficiency in the young chick depresses erythrocytopoiesis and hemoglobin synthesis, disturbs metabolic functions of the liver cell and hinders development of the lymphatic organs.

² Visiting Associate Professor of Pathology, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.

³ Present address: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Francis Delafield Hospital, New York, New York.

Manuscript received 17 November 1967.