March 27, 1968
TO: Drs. Galzigna and Robinson
FROM: Linus Pauling
SUBJECT: Loading Tests of Vital Substances
Dr. Galzigna in his memorandum of 25 March 1968 suggested that some studies be made of the rate of absorption of a vitamin by the brain and the rate of elimination with urine, as well as of rates of transmission through the blood-brain barrier.
I suggest that you two discuss with one another the details of experiments that might be carried out along these lines, so that we can make plans for the future.
I was impressed by the results reported by Roger J. Williams on variations from individual to individual guinea pigs in requirements for ascorbic acid. It may be that a worthwhile investigation would be the study of ascorbic acid in guinea pigs, to see whether the ratio of concentration in the cerebral spinal fluid to that in the blood shows similar variation, both under steady-state conditions and after injection of a large dose. I doubt that we should plan to work with animals larger than guinea pigs, during the coming year, and we would have to look at the matter of use of an animal room, if we do any animal work.
Another comment in the memorandum by Dr. Galzigna of 25 March 1968 is that we should investigate the matter of the pink spot and similar controversial tests. I suggest that you go through the literature on the pink spot and on the Hoffer-Osmond mauve factor, and make a proposal about steps that we might take in this direction.
Linus Pauling
March
27, 1968
