[Effects of zinc and vitamin B 6 in experimental caries in rats]

The behaviour of caries has been studied in rats kept on a cariogenic diet enriched with zinc and vit. B6. A reduction of 16.7% in caries was observed compared to control animals fed with the cariogenic diet alone. Compared to the controls, the animals treated with Ershoff diet and zinc presented a decrease of 18.76%. The weight increase curves of the three lots of rats appeared similar. The basic role played by pyridoxal phosphate in all metabolism is recalled and the cariostatic action exerted by vit. B6 on the optimal function of two pyridoxal-phosphate-dependent systems transaminase and enzymes engaged on the synthesis of acetyl-CoA, reported. Both reduce the acid complement deriving from bacterial plaque fermentation, transaminase by deviating pyruvic acid from glycolysis to protein metabolism, acetyl-CoA synthesis by triggering Krebs cycle oxidative decarboxylation.