[Effect of cholesterol on the level of ascorbic acid in the plasma and tissues of rabbits]

Studies were carried out on 10 rabbits divided into two groups. Group I was fed on a physiological diet, group II was given additionally 200 mg of cholesterol daily. After 2 weeks the rabbits were decapitated and, having prepared the tissues according to Zannoni, the level of vitamin C was determined in the plasma, liver and intestinal wall by the method of Roe-Kuenther. It was shown that the diet rich in cholesterol caused a decrease in the level of vitamin C in the organism. The level of ascorbic acid decreased by 57% in the liver and plasms, by 52% in the wall of the caecum, whereas by 30% in the wall of the jejunum. A high level of cholesterol in the organism seems to increase its demand for vitamin C.