Erythrocyte glutathione metabolism in cobalt-deficient goats.

Cobalt deficiency was produced in goats by feeding them rhode grass hay. The deficient animals excreted increased amounts of methyl malonic acid in their urine, indicating a lack of vitamin B12. Erythrocyte reduced glutathione levels increased with the onset of anemia. There was a concomitant increase in the levels of erythrocyte glutathione reductase (GSSG NADPH Reductase) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH:H2O2 peroxidase)during deficiency. These results are compared with similar observations reported for vitamin B12 deficiency in humans.