抄録
Osteogenic disorder (ODS) mutant rats unable to synthesize vitamin C (VC), were employed in this study of the effects of marginal VC deficiency on aortic endothelial cells. The marginal VC-deficient ODS rats (group 1, n=10) were fed a VC-free diet and given water containing VC (1mg/ml) once a week to prevent scurvy. The control ODS rats (group 2, n=8) received the same VC-free diet, but with the same dosage of VC daily in their drinking water. Blood VC concentrations in group 1 and 2 were 0.71±0.11mg/dl (n=5) and 1.10±0.08mg/dl (n=4), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed shrinkage and protrusion into the arterial lumen of endothelial cells from VC-deficient ODS rats. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a decreased number of mitochondria and vacuole formations in the cytoplasm of group 1 aortic endothelial cells, and the occasional appearance of migrant macrophages in the widened subendothelial space. Since endothelial cell injury is recognized to trigger atherosclerosis, we conclude that VC deficiency is a likely initiator of atherosclerosis.
