Ascorbic Acid Deficiency and Adrenocortical Function in the Guinea Pig¹¹

Aspects of ascorbic acid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid metabolism have been studied during ascorbic acid deficiency in young, growing guinea pigs. Morphologic evidences of ascorbic acid deficiency were seen in the epiphyses before the onset of weight loss and before marked reduction occurred in ascorbic acid content of adrenal and liver. At this time, however, there was only a slight elevation in 17-OHCS of plasma and bile, and the elevation of plasma 17- OHCS following the administration of C14 labeled bacterial polysaccharide and of ACTH was of normal character. No evidence of alteration of cortisol-4-C14 metabolism was found in guinea pigs with earl ascorbic acid deficiency.