Formation of Epithelial Basement Membrane is restricted by Scurvy in vitro and is stimulated by Vitamin C

Abstract

ALTHOUGH scurvy was probably the first clearly defined nutritional disease and active antiscorbutic material was the first of all the vitamins to be crystallized and synthesized, the biochemical function of ascorbic acid in synthesis of collagen has only recently been identified. Some of the proline residues of the collagenous poly-peptide are hydroxylated to form hydroxyproline, and ascorbic acid is a co-factor for the hydroxylating enzyme¹. Most pathological findings in scurvy can be attributed to a restriction in ability to synthesize collagen of bone, teeth and other connective tissues. Some manifestations occasionally found in infantile scurvy are more prominent in adult scurvy and are difficult to explain by a restriction in ability to synthesize collagen of connective tissues. For example, the cutaneous haemorrhages or “scorbutic spots” appearing spontaneously about hair follicles are one of the cardinal signs of adult scurvy².