Habeeb Bacchus

Prolongation of effects of adrenal cortical secretion by ascorbic acid; proposed mechanism of action.

Summary The influence of ascorbic acid treatment on the hematologic effects of cortisone and of ACTH was investigated. The vitamin (plus hormones) prolongs these effects beyond that in animals which receive saline + hormones. These data suggest that the circulating titer of cortical hormone is maintained for long periods by vitamin treatment. This observation is discussed in relation to previous findings, and a mechanism proposed for the relationship of ascorbic acid to pituitary-adrenal activity.

Potentiating effect of ascorbic acid on cortisone-induced gluconeogenesis.

Summary The action of ascorbic acid treatment on the gluconeogenic action of cortisone was investigated in adrenalectomized mice. The deposition of glycogen in the liver is enhanced in animals treated with ascorbic acid in addition to cortisone. This observation is discussed in relation to the action of the vitamin in preventing the activation of the pituitary-adrenal axis in animals exposed to stressors. It is suggested that the vitamin may be synergistic with cortisone in some of its actions.

Leukocyte Response to Stress in Normal and Adrenalectomized Rats Pretreated with Ascorbic Acid

Summary The action of ascorbic acid on the leukocyte response of normal (shamadrenalectomized) and adrenalectomized rats was investigated. The data indicate that, of all the leukocytes studied, only the eosinophils are related to the action of ascorbic acid. The vitamin alters the eosinopenia of stress in intact rats, and delays the eosinophilia characteristic of stress in adrenalectomized rats.

Potassium Chloride Flooding and DCA-induced Cardio-renal Hypertrophy in the Rat

Summary The action of potassium chloride flooding on the cardiac, renal and adrenal effects of DCA-overdosage was investigated. The data indicate that there is a mutual antagonism between the actions of DCA and KCl on the heart and the adrenal. The role of the kidney in this antagonism is not known.