Urinary Corticosteroids and 17-Ketosteroids in Ascorbic Acid-Deficient Female Guinea Pigs

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Abstract
The urinary 17-ketosteroid and corticosteroid excretion was studied in female guinea pigs on a scorbutigenic diet, and on pair-fed controls. The blood leucocyte pattern, and sudano-philia in the adrenal cortex were also studied. In the initial stages of the deficiency there occurred an increase in the 17-ketosteroid excretion, a decrease in the corticosteroid excretion, associated with normal adrenal morphology. In late deficiency there occurred a progressive decrease in the excretion of 17-ketosteroids and of corticosteroids. These changes were associated with morphologic evidence of adrenal damage at this stage. The hematologic data suggested a diminished titer of circulating C-11-oxy-steroids in the deficient group throughout the exptl. period. The data suggest that ascorbic acid-deficiency is associated with an increased breakdown of cortical hormones. In later stages a diminution of adrenal steroid production also occurs.