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Acute and Chronic Ascorbic Acid Deficiencies in the Rhesus Monkey¹

Two Figures

Department of Biochemistry, College of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin, Madison

An acute ascorbic acid deficiency was produced in young Rhesus monkeys in 30 to 50 days. In the acute phase there was a precipitous loss in weight, slight tenderness of the joints and heavy residues on the tooth surfaces. However, no gingival changes were observed. When a single test dose of ascorbic acid was given, there was a very rapid and complete alleviation of these signs.

In the chronic state of ascorbic acid deficiency, a series of gingival changes was observed which was accompanied by increasing food deposits on the teeth and dental tartar. There was very marked tenderness and soreness at all the joints accompanied by a considerable swelling. Bone resorption occurred at the bone-cartilage junctions, especially at the ends of the long bones of the legs. There was a very extensive loss of hair and a mild dermatitis; both could be prevented or cured by crystalline biotin. In three of the six chronically deficient monkeys, there was a high incidence of dental caries.

These data indicate that the signs of acute and chronic ascorbic acid deficiencies in the monkey are distinctly different. They may partially explain the differences observed in experimentally produced and spontaneous scurvy in man.

We are indebted to Merck and Co., Rahway, New Jersey, for the synthetic vitamins; to Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Illinois, for halibut liver oil; and to Wilson Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, for the 1:20 liver extract.

Manuscript received 27 January 1945.