[Effects of ascorbic acid on trace element metabolism in the choroid-retina of streptozotocin-induced diabetic guinea pigs].

In order to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid on trace element metabolism in the choroid-retina, experimental diabetes mellitus was induced in Hartley guinea pigs with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After 4 weeks, ascorbic acid-deficient feed was given for 3 weeks. Trace elements of the choroid-retina were measured with inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry. The activity of superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxide content also were measured. The results indicated that zinc and magnesium increased in diabetes mellitus. However, with ascorbic acid deficiency in diabetes mellitus, zinc and magnesium significantly decreased. On the other hand, the activity of superoxide dismutase showed no change between either condition and lipid peroxide content decreased under ascorbic acid deficiency in diabetes mellitus. These findings suggested that ascorbic acid played an important role in chorioretinal damage of diabetes mellitus. However, it was also suggested that lipid peroxide has little influence on the choroid-retina under these conditions.