Neuropathology of vitamin B12 deficiency in the Cd320-/- mouse.

In humans, vitamin B12 deficiency causes peripheral and CNS manifestations. Loss of myelin in the peripheral nerves and the spinal cord (SC) contributes to peripheral neuropathy and motor deficits. The metabolic basis for the demyelination and brain disorder is unknown. The transcobalamin receptor-knockout mouse (Cd320-/-) develops cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency in the nervous system, with mild anemia. A decreased S-adenosylmethionine:S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio and increased methionine were seen in the brain with no significant changes in neurotransmitter metabolites. The structural pathology in the SC presented as loss of myelin in the axonal tracts with inflammation. The sciatic nerve (SN) showed increased nonuniform, internodal segments suggesting demyelination, and remyelination in progress. Consistent with these changes, the Cd320-/- mouse showed an increased latency to thermal nociception. Further, lower amplitude of compound action potential in the SN suggested that the functional capacity of the heavily myelinated axons were preferentially compromised, leading to loss of peripheral sensation. Although the metabolic basis for the demyelination and the structural and functional alterations of the nervous system in Cbl deficiency remain unresolved, the Cd320-/- mouse provides a unique model to investigate the pathologic consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]