Relation of Adrenal Cortex to Development of Scurvy. ∗

Abstract

It is well known that in scurvy (guinea pigs), marked changes develop in the adrenal. The cortex of this gland is rich in hexuronic 1 acid which has been shown by King to be vitamin C. 2 This vitamin, at least in the guinea pig, is not synthesized to any extent in the body and, therefore, its concentration in the adrenal cortex may be indicative of participation of the latter as an intermediary step in its utilization. If this is true, cortin may play some rôle in the process.

To test this hypothesis 3 series of guinea pigs with different amounts of cortin were used. The animals in each group (9 or 10 animals to a group) were balanced for sex and weight and placed on a pre-experimental diet of vitamin C-free ration and lettuce ad libitum, for one week previous to the experiment. At the beginning of the experimental period, the lettuce was discontinued. All animals not injected with extract were injected with one cc. of isotonic NaCl solution twice daily so that they would be subjected to the same manipulation.

Series I—Normal amount of cortin (intact adrenals). Group I—Basal diet. Group 2—Basal diet and 0.7 cc. of orange juice daily (one-half protective dose).

Series II—Added cortin (by injection). Group 3—Basal diet and 1 cc. of cortin twice daily (40 gm. whole gland per cc).

Series III—One adrenal removed. Group 4—Basal diet. Group 5—Basal diet and 0.7 cc. orange juice.

The results are shown in the accompanying chart.

The guinea pigs on the control diet consistently lost weight from the beginning of the experiment which was carried out over a period of 28 days. This is not typical of a negative control series of vitamin C. 3 One or both of 2 factors may have been responsible, the amount of vitamin C obtained from lettuce in the pre-experimental period may not have been optimal or the frequent injections, in animals made sensitive by vitamin C deficiency, may have influenced the appetite.