SCURVY RESULTS IN DECREASED COLLAGEN-SYNTHESIS AND BONE-DENSITY IN THE GUINEA-PIG ANIMAL-MODEL

The effect of severe ascorbic acid deficiency on bone remodeling and c ollagen synthesis was evaluated in a 21 day experiment, using the scor butic guinea pig model. Animals (n = 6-7/group) were assigned to one o f three groups: scorbutic, pair-fed ascorbic acid-replete, or ad libit um ascorbic acid-replete groups, After 2 weeks, scorbutic animals star ted voluntarily decreasing food intake and losing weight, By day 19-21 , at which time bone and tissue samples were collected and analyzed, s corbutic animals decreased food intake to 46% of usual and lost 9% bod y weight, Serum 25OHD(3), 1,25(OH)(2)D-3, calcium, and albumin were si gnificantly lower (p < 0.05) in the scorbutic animals than in the othe r groups. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the proxima l and central femur were significantly lower in the scorbutic group th an in the other groups (p < 0.05). Morphemetric analysis of tibia indi cated significantly lower bone volume, fewer and thinner trabeculae, a nd a thinner growth plate in the scorbutic group, compared to the pair -fed and ad libitum groups (p < 0.05). Osteoclast surface was about 60 % higher in the scorbutic group than in the pair-fed and ad libitum co ntrol groups (0.05 < p < 0.10). Mechanical strength of the femur and l umbar vertebral body tended to be lower when bone mass was altered in the same group, Collagen synthesis of articular cartilage and tendons was lower in the scorbutic group than in the pair-fed or ad libitum gr oups (p < 0.05), In conclusion, scurvy but not food restriction, per s e, results in alterations in bone mass and tissue collagen synthesis.