Effects of vitamin B-6 deficiency on the developing central nervous system of the rat. Gross measurements and cytoarchitectural alterations.

The effects of different levels of dietary pyridoxine (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, and 20.0 mg/kg diet) fed to dams from weaning through lactation on gross measurements and cytoarchitectural alterations of brains of progeny were investigated. Progeny of the 1.0 and 1.2 groups died between 15 and 21 days of age due to the severe vitamin deficit. Differences were observed in brain and body weights and brain: body weight ratios. Vitamin B-6 concentrations in brain ranged from 498 to 713 ng/g in the three lower groups and were markedly lower than for the 20.0 group (2,256 ng/g). Protein concentrations were not different. Changes in cytoarchitecture, as seen by light microscopy, included reduced area in the neocortex and, to a greater extent, in the cerebellum of the deficient groups. Molecular and granular layers, but not medullary layer, of the cerebellum were significantly reduced. Significantly greater granular layer/molecular layer area ratios (GMR) in the 1.2 and 1.4 groups indicated that the molecular layer was more affected in these groups while both layers were affected in the 1.0 group. Purkinje cells were dispersed from the usual monocellular layer in the 1.0 and 1.2 groups. The results indicated that central nervous system development in the progeny is altered parallel to the maternal vitamin B-6 intake levels.