Effect of Scurvy on Serum Proteins of Rhesus Monkeys. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Serum total proteins, glycopro-teins, mucoproteins, albumin and different fractions of globulins were determined in normal monkeys fed ad lib, in scorbutic monkeys, in normal monkeys pair-fed with the scorbutic, and in monkeys which recovered from scurvy after treatment with ascorbic acid. Following changes from pair-fed normal were observed in scorbutic monkeys: Serum total proteins, a₂-globulin and γ-globulin did not change. Serum albumin diminished. Glycoproteins, mucoproteins, a₁-globulin and β-globulin expressed as percent of total protein of serum increased. The changes in serum proteins were reversed to normal when the scorbutic monkeys recovered after supplementation with ascorbic acid with the exception of serum a₂-globulin which diminished significantly. The changes in serum proteins of scorbutic monkeys seems to be a specific effect of ascorbic acid deficiency.