Tissue distribution and turnover of [3H]riboflavin during respiratory infection in mice.
Studies in children and mice suggest that respiratory infections cause a mobilization of riboflavin from the tissues to the blood, resulting in increased urinary loss of this vitamin. To verify this observation, the tissue distribution and turnover of [3H]riboflavin were investigated in control and low-riboflavin-fed mice infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Infection significantly reduced [3H]riboflavin levels in the liver and kidney of low-riboflavin-fed mice and in the liver of control mice. Such changes were not observed in tissues such as muscle, small intestine, and brain. Urinary excretion of [3H]riboflavin increased significantly during the acute phase of infection and the biological half-life of [3H]riboflavin was shorter in the low-riboflavin-fed group. The results confirm that the mobilization of riboflavin from tissues to blood during infection results in a deterioration of riboflavin status. Thus, the study supports the hypothesis that respiratory infection is a nondietary factor contributing to the high prevalence of subclinical riboflavin deficiency in children of developing countries like India.
Brijlal
S
S
Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad.
Lakshmi
A V
AV
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D005415:Flavins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine; D005980:Glutathione Reductase / Q000378:metabolism; D006207:Half-Life; D007710:Klebsiella Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D007711:Klebsiella pneumoniae; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012016:Reference Values; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D012257:Riboflavin Deficiency / Q000209:etiology; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014316:Tritium
D005415:Flavins; D014316:Tritium; D005980:Glutathione Reductase; D012256:Riboflavin