RIBOFLAVIN

Abstract

In the course of their studies on pellagra Goldberger and Lillie¹used rats as experimental animals, and produced a characteristic deficiency disease. Ophthalmia and bilaterally symmetrical denuded areas were the most important symptoms, and these are still the most common and most characteristic. Goldberger and Lillie reported that "some of the animals have developed a dermatitis at one or more of the following sites: ears, front of neck and upper part of chest, forearms, backs of forepaws, shins, and the backs of the hind paws." Other workers²also observed the more severe symptoms but they are comparatively infrequent. Goldberger's description was reviewed by Sure,³so additional details will be omitted. The agent that prevents the lesions was designated by Goldberger as the P-P (pellagra-preventive) factor. American biochemists designated the new vitamin as G, the British workers called it vitamin B₂. Goldberger made a very important contribution,