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Leucocyte ascorbic acid concentration and plasma ascorbic acid levels in children with various infections
1Department of Paediatrics, Cumhuriyet and Hacettepe University, Sivas Ankara, Turkey.
Materia Medica Polona. Polish Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy
|January 1, 1993
Summary
During infections, plasma vitamin C levels drop significantly, while white blood cell vitamin C remains stable. This suggests vitamin C shifts from plasma to leukocytes to maintain immune cell function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is crucial for immune function.
- Its levels in plasma and leukocytes can be affected by infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between plasma and leukocyte ascorbic acid levels during bacterial and viral infections.
- To understand ascorbic acid utilization during infection.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous measurement of plasma and leukocyte ascorbic acid concentrations.
- Study included 258 patients with various infections and 21 healthy children as controls.
Main Results:
- Plasma ascorbic acid levels significantly decreased in all infected patients.
- Leukocyte ascorbic acid levels showed no significant difference compared to controls, except in scarlet fever.
- Findings suggest a rapid utilization of ascorbic acid during infection.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbic acid is transferred from plasma to leukocytes during infection.
- This transfer helps maintain normal leukocyte ascorbic acid levels, supporting immune function.