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Effect of vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs on intestinal functions and chemical composition of brush border membrane.

The effect of vitamin C deficiency on the digestive and absorptive functions of the gut has been investigated in guinea pigs. The absorption of D-glucose was significantly elevated, but that of L-leucine, L-alanine and L-lysine considerably depressed in the intestine of scorbutic guinea pigs compared to controls. The intestinal transport of vitamin B12 was also diminished. Activities of sucrase and alkaline phosphatase on the brush border were enhanced, but that of leucine aminopeptidase markedly reduced in scorbutic animals compared to controls. Maltase activity was unaffected in vitamin C deficient animals. Chemical analysis of the brush borders isolated from scorbutic animals revealed a considerable decrease in membrane protein, total lipids, phospholipids, and free cholesterol contents compared to control animals. In vivo 2-(14)C-acetate incorporation into membrane lipids suggested that the observed decrease in lipid components of the scorbutic membranes is due to reduced synthesis. Administration of ascorbic acid to scorbutic animals ameliorated the intestinal aberrations observed in scurvy.