Prevention of DL-methionine toxicity in rats by vitamins E, B12, folacin, glycine and arginine.

Abstract

Summary(1) The toxicity of DL-methionine, fed to rats at a 2% dietary excess level, was more pronounced in the absence of dietary vit. E, folacin, and vit. B12. The combination of vit. E and folacin was as effective for growth as all 3 vitamins together. Without the 3 vitamins, growth in 4 weeks was 32% of the normal, as compared with 54% of normal upon their addition to the diet. Supplements of glycine and arginine in the absence of these vitamins produced growth that was 62% of normal. (2) The methionine toxicity was prevented by molar equivalent supplement levels of glycine plus arginine if the 3 vitamins were added to the diet (95% of normal), but was not prevented in the absence of these factors. (3) Urinary creatine and sensitivity to acute carbon tetrachloride were determined for all rats. (4) Complete protection against glycine toxicity was given by dietary methionine with vit. E.