Mechanism of foetal wastage following immunoneutralization of riboflavin carrier protein in the pregnant rat: disturbances in flavin coenzyme levels

Abstract

Immunoneutralization of maternal RCP results in a > 90% decrease in the content and the incorporation of [2-¹⁴C]riboflavin into embryonic FAD as well as a percentage redistribution of both embryonic FMN and riboflavin. This is unaccompanied by any discernible changes in flavin distribution pattern in the maternal liver. Embryonic α -glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase register significant decreases in activities in the RCP antiserum-treated rats. These alterations readily explain the arrest of foetal growth culminating in pregnancy termination in the antiserum-treated animals.