The Course of Vitamin B₁ Metabolism in Man as Indicated by the Use of Radioactive Sulfur, a New Synthesis of 4-Methyl-5-β-Hudroxyethyl-Thiazole, and a Demonstration of the Use of Anti-Coincidence Method in Radioactivity Determinations

Author: Hatcher, John Burton

Year: 1952

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Unknown, Unknown

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Biochemistry; Chemistry

Abstract

Thiamin synthesized from radiosulfur S³⁵ was injected intramuscularly in two series of experiments, using a human subject on a normal and a B₁-free diet. Determinations of the free B₁ (by the thiochrome method) in the uring, the radiosulfur in the inorganic, ethereal, and neutral fractions of the urine, and the total radiosulfur in the feces were made. Rapid destruction of injected thiamin was indicated in both experiments by the appearance of radiosulfur in the inorganic fraction of the urine. Rapid interaction of the injected material with that pre-existing in the tissues was indicated by the appearance of free thiamin in the urine, without corresponding active sulfur. Additional destruction of thiamin was indicated by an excess of the neutral radiosulfur activity over the free B₁ after the injections were stopped. After 36 days of the B₁-free diet the injection of 8 mg. over a period of 3 days resulted in the excretion of 0.8 mg. of pre-existing thiamin. On the normal diet the injection of 63 mg. over a period of 4 days resulted in the excretion of 16 mg. of pre-existing thiamin.

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