Dietary pyridoxine loadings affect incidence of "spontaneous" seizures among magnesium-deprived Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).
The "spontaneous" tetanic attacks in magnesium (Mg) deficiency resemble those occurring in pyridoxine (Pyr) deficiency. A common mechanism may underlie both seizure patterns. Nine groups (n = 10) of male Mongolian gerbils that were Mg-deprived, Pyr-deprived, or both were used to explore this possibility. The animals were tested for spontaneous seizing in an open field at four-day intervals over 40 days. By the end of the period, 70% of the gerbils that were both Mg- and Pyr-deprived had seized, and 90% had died. One fatality, but no seizures, occurred among Pyr-deprived groups given 500 to 2,000 ppm Mg in the food. No seizures occurred among the Mg-deprived groups fed 20 to 100 ppm Pyr, though several animals given 20 ppm Pyr died. Deaths and seizures occurred within Mg-deprived groups fed more than 100 ppm Pyr. A possible role of Pyr in Mg metabolism is discussed.
Harriman
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AE
Dept. of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078-0250.
D000818:Animals; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005849:Gerbillinae; D008274:Magnesium / Q000502:physiology; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D011736:Pyridoxine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000502:physiology; D026681:Vitamin B 6 Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology
D008274:Magnesium; D011736:Pyridoxine