Disappearance of Vitamin C from the Adrenals of Scorbutic Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Ascorbic acid in the cortex of the adrenals of guinea pigs progressively disappears during the onset of scurvy. The silver nitrate staining reaction shows that there is a decrease after the animal has been on a scorbutic diet for but 1 day. Minimum staining with silver nitrate is obtained on the sixth day. The feeding of 3 cc. of orange juice to scorbutic animals is followed by the prompt reappearance of ascorbic acid in the cortex of the adrenals. An iodimetric method for the determination of the iodine reducing substances in the adrenals, which includes ascorbic acid, shows that there is a progressive decrease of these substances during the onset of scurvy.