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. 1969 Sep;22(5):545–550. doi: 10.1136/jcp.22.5.545

Patterns of plasma cobalamins in control subjects and in cases of vitamin B12 deficiency

J C Linnell 1,2, Heather M Mackenzie 1,2, J Wilson 1,2, D M Matthews 1,2
PMCID: PMC474244  PMID: 5364437

Abstract

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 B12 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.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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