The importance of Δ1-pyrroline in the aetiology of cerebrocortical necrosis

Abstract Bacterial thiaminase I associated with cerebrocortical necrosis of cattle and sheep is shown to utilise Δ 1 -pyrroline and related compounds as cosubstrates. The product resulting from the reaction of thiamine and Δ 1 -pyrroline is 1-(4-amino-2-methylpyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-1-pyrrolinium chloride. This compound has been identified in the brains of calves suffering from cerebrocortical necrosis. The implications of these findings in the aetiology of other thiamine-responsive diseases of the central nervous system are briefly discussed.