EXPERIMENTAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS WITH ASCORBIC ACID DEFICIENCY

Influence of ascorbic acid deficiency on serum and hepatic lipid and on the aorta were studied. Two groups of ascorbic acid deficient guinea pigs were made by feeding with scorbutic diet with or without 5% coconut oil for two weeks (group 3 and 1). Control animals of the experimental groups were fed with the same diet of previous two groups and received 25 mg of ascorbic acid subcutaneously for the same period (group 2 and 4). Moderate increase of triglyceride and cholesterol ester and beta-lipoprotein in the serum of ascorbic acid deficiency (group 1), and markedly to approximately twice of normal in the ascorbic acid deficiency with coconut oil feeding (group 3). Increase of serum lipids and depression of plasma lipoprotein lipase activity by ascorbic acid deficiency was prevented by ascorbic acid administration as observed in the control groups. Histological examination of the aorta revealed edematous swelling of the ground substance in the intima and media in the scorbutic, and early atheromatous lesions of accumulated foam cells in the intima of the ascorbic acid deficiency with coconut oil feeding. These findings suggest that any factors disturbing ascorbic acid metabolism induce an increase of serum lipids and altered vascular wall metabolism, and consequently follows atherosclerosis.