Abstract
The vitamin C activity of L-threo-hexo-2-enaro-1,4-lactone ehtyl ester (ES-AsA) has been studied. Oral administration of 0.015 mmol/animal/day of ascorbic acid completely prevented development of scurvy in young male Hartley guinea pig fed on vitamin C free diet. 0.03 mmolar and 0.05 mmolar of vitamin C analogue (ES-AsA) did not prevent and cure scurvy. Vitamin C levels in tissues, serum alkaline phosphatase activities and hydroxyproline contents in tibia of ES-AsA administered groups were similar to those in vitamin C-free diet group animals. The results of this investigation indicate that the close relationship may exist between chemical structure of C-6 position of ascorbic acid analogues and the development of vitamin C activity, as ES-AsA does not prevent and cure scurvy in the guinea pigs.
