Experimental amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the guinea-pig.

In guinea-pigs a diet which was deficient in ascorbic acid provoked neurogenic atrophy of the muscles, degeneration of the anterior horn motor cells and demyelination of the pyramidal tract. Muscles showed a decrease of cytochrome and cytochrome c oxidase. Subcutaneous haemorrhages were also found, particularly around the knee joints. The haemorrhages and the histopathology of the muscles and spinal cord were prevented by a high dosage of ascorbic acid. In animals with an ascorbic acid deficiency, histopathology of muscles and spinal cord were also prevented by L-cysteine, L-methionine and L-hydroxyproline. Subcutaneous haemorrhages were not prevented by these supplements.