Abstract
The ODS rat is a strain lacking in Vitamin C (VC) biosynthesis. The effects of marginal VC deficiency on serum lipids and aortic endothelial cell of ODS rats were studied. The marginal VC deficient ODS rat group (Group 1, n=14) was fed a VC deficient diet and administered water which contained VC (1mg/ml) once a week orally to prevent scurvy. The control ODS rat group (Group 2, n=14) was given the same VC deficient diet along with the same dosage of VC diluted in water (1mg/ml). This group received the VC daily. The Wister-Shionogi rat group (Group 3, n=3) which can synthesize VC by itself was used to refer to blood VC concentration. The following results were obtained;
1) Blood VC concentration was 0.24±0.05, 0.79±0.12 and 1.74±0.84mg/dl respectively in Group 1 (n=4), Group 2 (n=4) and Group 3 (n=3).
2) Serum triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein were lower in Group 1 than in Group 2. Total cholesterol, free cholesterol, cholesterol ester and phospholipid in serum were not significantly changed in either group. No hyperlipidemia was seen in Group 1.
3) Serum lipid peroxides were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2.
4) Transmission electron micrograph showed decreased number of mitochondria in cytoplasm and hair-like projections on the endothelial cell surface, and macrophage migration into the widening subendothelial space of aortic endothelium in Group 1.
Endothelial cell injury is known to be an important factor in the early stage of atherosclerotic progression. We conclude that VC deficiency most likely is an initiator of atherosclerosis.
