Sensory Neuron Degeneration in Vitamin Deficiency

Young pigs were given an artificial diet presumably adequate in all respects. As they developed, the quantity of yeast was gradually reduced while thiamin (vitamin B(1)) and riboflavin were given in its place. The rate of growth decreased, the general condition of the animals became impaired, and marked ataxia without motor weakness developed. Histologically, severe degeneration of the posterior columns of the spinal cord, the dorsal root ganglion cells, and the peripheral nerves was found.