There is still doubt concerning the role which vitamin C deficiency plays in pathological conditions, other than scurvy, which are characterized by vascular damage and a tendency to hemorrhage.In a previous communication (2) the writer presented a preliminary report of studies upon urinary excretion of vitamin C in some vascular diseases, as well as in normal individuals. The rate of excretion in normal cases was found to be between 0.03 and 0.05 mgm. per cc. of urine during the day period (less during the night)-approximately that previously reported by Harris, Ray and Ward (1). .The present paper is concerned with further studies upon the utilization and excretion of vitamin C in conditions associated with vascular damage, hemorrhagic tendencies, as well as in other pathological states. One hundred and twentyseven patients and normal controls were studied.It seemed of interest to ascertain whether there is any change in the level of excretion in the normal individual when a quantity of vitamin C in excess of the usual average daily intake is administered. In order to eliminate the factor of variability in absorption or in destruction in the gastro-intestinal tract, the vitamin C was administered intravenously. This method was used in the work previously reported by the author (2). METHODIn the earlier experiments presently reported the total 24 hour urinary excretion of vitamin C was first ascertained in each subject. On the following day, usually about 10 a.m., 100 mgm. of vitamin C (Merck) dissolved in 5 cc. of distilled water was injected intravenously, and again the 24 hour output of vitamin C in the urine was measured.

The urinary excretion of vitamin C by normal individuals has been studied by Harris, Ray, and Ward, and was found to average about 0.03 mg. per cubic centimeter of urine for 24 hours.What d e , if any, vitamin C plays in the evolution of pathological states associated with vascular damage and hemorrhagic tendencies other than in scurvy is still unknown.Studies were therefore undertaken upon the excretion of vitamin C in the urine in certain pathological conditions. The rate of vitamin C excretion following the intravenous administration of 100 mg. of cevitamic acid (vitamin C) was also studied. Here are H.B. M.G.

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