[Effect of ascorbic acid on glucocorticoid metabolism in guinea pigs]

Ascorbic acid administered for 18-20 days (daily by 100 mg per 1 kg of weight per os) causes redistribution of certain fractions of 17-OCS excreted with urine (a decrease in the content of free F and F/E ratio, an increase in the content of THF, THE and THS, a more frequent appearance of substances). In the blood plasm and adrenals concentration of 11-OCS rises. When determining the available functional reserves of the adrenal cortex under these conditions, an increase in the content of F, E and S unchanged forms is observed in response to ACTH administration as distinct from the initial state. The rise in concentration of 11-OCS in the adrenals and blood plasm is less pronounced than in the control. A conclusion is drawn that ascorbic acid affects metabolism of glucocorticoids and changes the reaction of the adrenaocortical system on the action of ACTH.