Ascorbic acid and iron levels in plasma and liver of vitamin C deficient guinea pigs after iron overload and desferrioxamine administration.

The effect of desferrioxamine on the reduction of tissue iron and the corresponding level of tissue ascorbic acid have been investigated in female guinea pigs on Vitamin C deficient diet. Plasma and liver AA concentrations were measured after stopping treatment (day 0) and on the following 24 days. Vitamin C intake with the diet enhances rapid absorption of iron into the tissue with corresponding increased catabolism of tissue ascorbic acid. Desferrioxamine reduced tissue iron concentrations without causing pronounced loss of liver ascorbic acid. It is concluded that alterations in tissue ascorbic acid are caused by iron overload in guinea pigs without the pronounced involvement of desferrioxamine.