THE EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID ADMINISTRATION UPON EXPERIMENTAL POLYCYTHEMIAS: THE MECHANISM OF COBALT POLYCYTHEMIA

Abstract

The oral adm. of 8 mg. of ascorbic acid daily depressed cobalt-induced polycythemia in 2 dogs, but failed to affect significantly the high erythrocyte numbers of 2 other dogs with polycythemia due to low atmospheric pressure. Cobalt adm. and anoxia showed additive effects in the production of a marked exptl. polycythemia. The feeding of ascorbic acid to 2 dogs with a combined (low air pressure plus Co) polycythemia produced a depression of that portion of the polycythemia caused by Co feeding. The addition of Co to blood, in vitro, or the feeding of Co to dogs with Co polycythemia lowered the ascorbic acid content of the blood. Co may produce polycythemia in dogs by interfering with some normal function of vit. C.