Observations on Vitamin C Activity of D-Ascorbic Acid.

Abstract

Some activities of L-ascorbic acid can be replaced by D-ascorbic acid when administered in relatively small intraperitoneal doses to scorbutic guinea pigs. Weight and survival can be maintained, but hemorrhages about the joints are not prevented. The dentin produced in animals receiving D-ascorbic acid was normal in morphology and staining properties. However, the Vitamin C effect of D-ascorbic acid was not complete in that predentin formed in these animals was still abnormal in its reactivity to acid mucopolysaccharide stain though it was eventually converted to normal staining dentin.