Abstract
Conclusion and summary
1) Some activities of L-ascorbic acid can be replaced by D-ascorbic acid when administered in relatively small doses under conditions of these experiments. For instance, weight and survival of scorbutic guinea pigs can be maintained with D-ascorbic acid, but hemorrhages about the joints are not prevented. The most striking effect of D-ascorbic acid was revealed with histochemical studies of teeth. The dentin produced in animals receiving D-ascorbic acid was normal in morphology and staining properties. However, the Vit. 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. 2) These results furnish further evidence for multiple actions of Vit. C; those that are specific, for which only L-ascorbic acid will serve, and those that are non-specific in which D-ascorbic acid and presumably other compounds with the same redox properties can substitute. Separation of biological activities of Vit. C has been indicated by studies with D-araboascorbic acid in guinea pigs(4) and with D-ascorbic acid in monkeys(11). One of the best examples of non-specific role for the vitamin has come from studies of tyrosine metabolism in which L-ascorbic acid can be replaced by various other structurally unrelated compounds that are susceptible to oxidation and reduction (12, 13). Further studies with D-ascorbic acid in guinea pigs may throw light on the nature of non-specific functions of the vitamin.
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