Relationship of Pyridoxine Deficiency to Adrenal Function in Production of Leucocytes in Mice.

Summary 1. The production of pyridoxine deficiency in adrenalectomized mice calls forth the same hematologic response, neutrophilia and lymphopenia, as in intact animals. This is positive evidence that these blood changes occurring in pyridoxine deficiency are not the result of an alarm reaction mediated through the adrenal gland. (2) Pyridoxine deficiency and cortisone administration produce similar hematologic responses. When combined, a synergistic effect results. This may be evidence that the mechanism of the production of the hematologic changes is different in the 2 conditions. (3) Further evidence that the mechanisms may differ is the fact that the cortisone effect cannot be blocked by giving large amounts of pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine, although the possibility exists that cortisone has a role at another site in the B6 cycle.