Abstract
THE subject of phenylketonuria, an inborn error of metabolism, has been recently reviewed1. This defect in the homozygous individual is characterized by the lack of active phenylalanine hydroxylase and severe mental retardation. The heterozygous carrier of one defective gene is able to oxidize phenylalanine to tyrosine and is reported to appear normal. However, a slower rate of phenylalanine oxidation and slightly elevated plasma-levels of phenylalanine have been observed in these individuals. This communication reports the effect on the rate of learning of a dietary-induced heterozygous state in the rat.
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References
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LOO, Y., DILLER, E. & OWEN, J. Effect of Phenylalanine Diet on Learning in the Rat. Nature 194, 1286–1287 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1038/1941286a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1941286a0
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