[Dependence of the initial stages of the pentose phosphate cycle on vitamin C metabolism in connective tissue pathology].

Correlation between rates of oxidative and non-oxidative steps of the pentose phosphate pathway and vitamin C concentration was studied in experimental diffuse impairment of connective tissue. As compared with transketolase, activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was more closely dependent on concentration of ascorbic acid. Content of vitamin C was considerably altered in tissues thus demonstrating profound deterioration of vitamin C metabolism under these conditions. Simultaneous impairment of the pentose phosphate pathway primary steps and of vitamin C metabolism appear to be responsible for initiation of the diffuse injury of the connective tissue.