[Effect of ascorbic acid and B group vitamins on the course of subacute acrylonitrile poisoning in rats].

The effect of ascorbic acid and a mixture of pyridoxine and nicotinamide on the process of subacute poisoning with acrylonitrile (AN) in a concentration of 9.7 +/- 2.8 mg/m3 (corresponding to the threshold of a chronic action) was studied in rats. Administration of an additional mixture of vitamins had no significant effect on the course of subacute poisoning in rats. Changes in the physiological and biochemical parameters characteristic of the AN poisoning were noted in this group of animals at the end of the experiment. No significant changes were observed in the poisoning of rats after an additional administration of ascorbic acid either at the stage of the initial reactions, or at the end of the experiment. The results obtained indicate a strongly pronounced elevation of the adaptibility of the organism. This allows one to regard ascorbic acid as an alimentary factor of protective action in repeated subacute AN poisoning of the organism. Ascorbic acid can be recommended as a prophylactic agent for persons in continuous contact with AN under industrial conditions.