Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Mouse Plasma Fibronectin Concentration

The effect of vitamin C on plasma fibronectin levels was studied. Mice were fed 3 different doses of dietary ascorbic acid (0%, 1%, and 10%), and the plasma fibronectin concentration was determined by an enzyme immunoassay with monoclonal rabbit anti-mouse fibronectin antibodies. Compared to the control, the mice with a 10% ascorbic acid-containing diet for 2 months had a significantly elevated plasma ascorbic acid concentration, but no statistically significant difference was observed for mice with a 1% ascorbic acid diet. The 10% ascorbic acid group exhibited a significant increase in the plasma fibronectin concentration as well as in the hydroxyproline level. The results indicate that ascorbic acid can influence the blood concentration of fibronectin which may be related either directly or indirectly to collagen metabolism.