Observations on Serum B1 and Folate Activity in Normal and Leukemic Rats

By THOMAS J. LYNCH AND WILLIAM C. MOLONEY D URING STUDIES on the induction of myelogenous leukemia in the rat, serum B12 afl(I folate activities were investigated. In man it is well known tiiat serum B1 activity is greatly elevated in chronic myelogenous leukemia ( CML ) . Less is known concerning serum folate activity hut from iiiitial reports and in our own experience, serum folate levels are usually normal or reduced in I)atients with leukemia.2 The purpose of this study was to determine serum B12 and folate activity in normal rats and rats subjected to total hod ’ radiation, oral administration of 3-methyicholanthrene ( 3MCA) aiicl a combination of these agents. Of special interest were studies of serum B12 and folate activity in rats with induced myelogenous and lymphatic leukemia as ‘ell as in rats with transplanted chloroleukemia ( Shay ) .