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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
11:56
A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
PRODUCTION OF A SCURVY-LIKE CONDITION BY FEEDING OF A COMPOUND STRUCTURALLY RELATED TO ASCORBIC ACID
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Glucoascorbic acid, an ascorbic acid analog, induced scurvy-like symptoms in rodents. Symptoms were reversed by removing glucoascorbic acid, not by adding ascorbic acid, indicating a specific dietary interaction.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutrition
- Animal Models
Background:
- Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is essential for preventing scurvy.
- The study investigates the effects of a vitamin C analog on scurvy-like conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if glucoascorbic acid can induce scurvy-like symptoms.
- To investigate the efficacy of ascorbic acid in preventing or curing this induced condition.
- To identify factors influencing the development of the condition.
Main Methods:
- Rodents (mice and cotton rats) were fed diets containing glucoascorbic acid.
- Experimental groups included those fed purified or natural rations.
- Treatment groups received ascorbic acid or had glucoascorbic acid removed from their diet.
Main Results:
- Feeding glucoascorbic acid induced a condition with scurvy-like changes in mice and cotton rats.
- Ascorbic acid did not prevent or cure the induced condition.
- Removing glucoascorbic acid from the diet cured the condition.
- A substance in plant products prevented the condition's development.
Conclusions:
- Glucoascorbic acid acts as a scurvy-inducing agent, distinct from ascorbic acid's role.
- Dietary composition, including purified vs. natural rations and plant-derived factors, influences the manifestation of this condition.
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