Effect of Vitamin C Diet on Blood Formation in Experimental Scurvy of Guinea Pigs. ∗

Abstract

We recorded 1 that a variable degree of anemia occurred in a large percentage of individuals suffering from vitamin C deficiency. That a reticulocyte response could be induced in such patients by the administration of a diet rich in vitamin C. That the evidence suggested an altered function of the bone marrow, in great measure directly dependent upon the chronic lack of vitamin C. Since anemia, reported by Meyer and McCormick 2 and others is of regular incidence in experimental scurvy of guinea pig's, it seemed desirable to determine the effect of vitamin C-containing foods on blood formation. Accordingly, experiments were made (1) to ascertain the effect of a diet deficient in vitamin C on the bone marrow of the guinea pig; (2) to ascertain the effect of a diet containing vitamin C on the bone marrow administered to animals with manifest scurvy.

Adult guinea pigs weighing between 300 to 550 gm. were used throughout the experiment. The males were segregated from the females and all animals were observed over a preliminary period of one to 3 weeks.

The diet to produce scurvy was calculated to be adequate in all food factors with the exception of vitamin C-containing substances.

In a group comprising 10 animals/signs of scurvy began to appear 10 to 15 days after being given the scurvy-producing diet, and death usually occurred in from about 21 to 30 days. Coincident with the appearance of signs of scurvy, there developed an anemia which became progressively more severe. The red blood cells decreased from an average normal of about 5,000,000 per cu. mm. to as low as 2,500,000 per cu. mm. The hemoglobin decreased from an average normal of 12 gm. to as low as 5.5 gm.