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Related Experiment Videos

Ascorbic acid accumulates in cartilage in vivo.

Thomas V Stabler1, Virginia B Kraus

  • 1Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
|July 18, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Cartilage concentrates ascorbic acid, essential for collagen synthesis. This study reveals higher ascorbic acid levels in cartilage than in synovial fluid and plasma, supporting its vital role in joint health.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Connective Tissue Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Ascorbic acid is crucial for collagen synthesis.
  • In vivo ascorbic acid levels in cartilage remain largely uncharacterized.
  • Understanding cartilage ascorbic acid is key to extracellular matrix health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify in vivo ascorbic acid levels in cartilage.
  • To investigate the dose-response relationship of ascorbic acid in guinea pig tissues and fluids.
  • To establish baseline ascorbic acid concentrations in cartilage for future research.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a vitamin C dose-response study in guinea pigs.
  • Measured ascorbic acid concentrations in plasma, synovial fluid, and cartilage.

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  • Normalized tissue ascorbic acid levels to DNA for cellularity comparison.

    • Main Results:

    • Ascorbic acid concentrations were higher in cartilage than synovial fluid, and higher in synovial fluid than plasma.
    • Normalized cartilage ascorbic acid levels were intermediate between liver and adrenal tissues.
    • A saturation effect was observed across all tissues and fluids with increasing vitamin C dosage.

    Conclusions:

    • Cartilage actively concentrates ascorbic acid, vital for collagen production.
    • This concentration mechanism is likely mediated by the sodium-dependent ascorbic acid transporter SVCT2 in chondrocytes.
    • Findings highlight cartilage's unique metabolic requirements for ascorbic acid.