Patterns of plasma cobalamins in control subjects and in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency.
A method for thin-layer chromatography and bioautography of plasma cobalamins is described. It requires only 5 ml of blood. Results are reported in 35 healthy people and hospital controls, and in 14 cases of untreated pernicious anaemia. In the control group there were two major components, methylcobalamin and a component which is probably a mixture of hydroxocobalamin and deoxyadenosyl cobalamin. Many cases of untreated pernicious anaemia showed a characteristic pattern in which methylcobalamin was reduced in relation to hydroxocobalamin. This pattern was also seen in one vegan who was taking a diet without B(12) supplement. A minority of subjects showed traces of cyanocobalamin; this compound was not confined to smokers. The significance of the results and possible diagnostic utility of the technique are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000752:Anemia, Pernicious / Q000097:blood; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D012907:Smoking; D013472:Sunlight; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood*; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000097:blood*
D014805:Vitamin B 12