[Some recent discoveries of metabolism and function of ascorbic acid]

Some newer knowledge concerning the metabolism of the ascorbic acid as well as its importance for the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands, the immune system and the bone formation are described. A large enrichment of the ascorbic acid is present in the pituitary gland and in the adrenal glands. In the pituitary gland the compound is constituent of the Cu-containing peptidyl-glycine-alpha-amidizating-monooxygenase which among others is necessary for the formation of alpha-MSH a lack of ascorbic acid diminishes the formation of alpha-MSH at stress the increased binding of ACTH to the cells of the middle and inner layer of the adrenal cortex leads to the fact that about 40 to 60% of the quantity of ascorbic acid are delivered. This evokes an increase of the activity of the adenylate cyclase as well as of the C21-hydroxylase: The synthesis and secretion of glucocorticosteroids increases. When there is a deficiency of ascorbic acid the content of cortisol in the plasma increases. The ascorbic acid is a constituent of the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase.