Special Veterinary Pathology

VITAMIN C

VITAMIN C (ANTISCROBUTIC FACTOR) ASCORBIC ACID

• Water soluble
• Sources- Green plants, citrus fruits
• Synthesis- Synthesised in intestine of all animals except guinea pig and primates
• Absorption- Intestine
• Storage- All tissues; more in adrenals
• Heating and cooking destroys vitamin C

Functions

• Strong reducing agent
• Normal metabolism of tyrosine, phenylalanine and dehydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)
• Formation of hydroxyproline; hydroxylysine - Constituents of Collagen
• Synthesis of specific mRNA required for incorporation of hydroxyproline into collagen
• Secretion of adrenal steroid hormones
• Important information of derivatives of mesenchymal tissues- osteoid, collagen, dentine
• Mucopolysaccharides of ground substance

DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN C

• Scurvy - Hmans
• Mesenchymal tissue derivatives not formed
• Wound Healing- Delayed
• Tensile strength of collagen in scars wounds break open
• Intercellular cement substance between endothelial cells not proper causing
• Haemorrhages in wounds
• Changes in bone formation
• Endochondral ossificationis affected
• Decreased osteoblastic activity
• Osteoid formation is reduced
• Decreased bone growth
• Mineralisation of cartilage is normal but no resorption of calcified cartilage
• Leading to formation of soft deformed bones
• Haemorrhages in epiphysis and periosteum
• Haemorrhagic diathesis
• Deficiency of intercellular cement substance between endothelial cells in capillaries
• Bleeding in s/c tissue, muscles , joints , legs, bones & gums
• Battery sickness
• Birds reared in batteries-3-4 months
• Paralysis and atrophy of striated muscles
• Reported in Germany