Adrenal ascorbic acid levels during pregnancy and lactation in rats and mice.

Abstract

Adrenal ascorbate was determined in rats and mice at various stages of pregnancy and lactation. In rats the ascorbate was reduced throughout pregnancy and during the first 4 days of lactation, after which the level of the vitamin returned to normal. In mice a rise in adrenal ascorbate was evidenced on the 12th day of pregnancy and on the 1st day of lactation, whereas a significant reduction occurred on the 2nd day of lactation. After the 5th day of lactation the adrenal ascorbate returned to a normal level. These data are interpreted to mean that adrenal ascorbate reflects increased adrenocortical activity immediately after parturition and at the initiation of lactation. The authors are of the opinion that the return of adrenal ascorbate to a normal level by the 6th day of lactation does not necessarily mean that adrenocortical function has returned to the level of nonpregnant, nonlactating animals.