A comparative study on the effects of ascorbic acid deficiency and supplementation on endurance and mitochondrial oxidative capacities in various tissues of the guinea pig.

The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of ascorbic acid deficiency and supplementation on endurance and mitochondrial oxidative capacities in various tissues of guinea pigs. Endurance capacity was significantly reduced by ascorbic acid deficiency and supplementation. Oxidative capacities were reduced in heart, liver and brown adipose tissue but it seems as if skeletal muscle is protected against ascorbic acid deficiency and supplementation-induced oxidative damage. Skeletal muscle and liver but not heart appear to be susceptible to exercise-induced oxidative damage. To a certain extent oxidative capacities could be related to the glutathione status in the various tissues.