Synthesis of ascorbic acid in guinea pigs by an implanted dialysis bag containing L-gulonolactone oxidase
Sato, P.H.
Molecular Pharmacology 18(2): 326-330
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-895X PMID: 7421798 Document Number: 167497
Guinea pigs fed no ascorbic acid develop scurvy due to the inherited absence of the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase. By providing this enzyme with its substrate L-gulonolactone, synthesis of the vitamin and prevention of scurvy are demonstrated in this species. Rat liver enzyme is placed in a dialysis bag which was surgically implanted within the animals' peritoneal cavities. Substrate is then injected into the peritoneum. Plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid are markedly increased in enzyme-treated animals compared to similar bovine albumin-treated control animals. Adrenal gland, liver and other tissue concentrations of the vitamin are significantly elevated. Prolonged time of survival of enzyme-treated guinea pigs fed the ascorbic acid-deficient diet is shown. Enzyme placed within the dialysis bags does not appear to be antigenic, but unprotected is clearly antigenic.