The effect of ascorbic acid on a proliferating cell system.
Ascorbic acid, alone and in combination with copper sulphate, was injected into the sub-blastodermal space in the early chick embryo at 17 hours of incubation. There was a marked stunting of the embryonal axis. The absence of interphase cells indicate that ascorbic acid is lethal to the resting cell and results in a reversal of differentiation. Copper counteracts the effect of ascorbic acid and protects the blastoderm when given before ascorbic acid. A parallel action in neoplasia is of importance in the therapeutic use of this vitamin.
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D002642:Chick Embryo; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology
D003300:Copper; D001205:Ascorbic Acid