Vitamin C in the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite

Abstract

Two series of experiments were conducted on rats to evaluate the effect of Vit C for prevention and treatment of frostbite. For studies on prevention, 45 rats were divided into 3 groups, as control, Vit C-short term and Vit C-long term. Frostbite was produced experimentally in both the hind limbs by exposing the animals at -15 degree centigrade for 1 h and the assessment of cold injury was done after 15 days. In another study on prevention, frostbite was produced on 20 rats twice, in each limb separately with and without Vit C therapy. The result showed that administration of Vit C for a short period prior to cold exposure period maintained higher rectal temperature and significantly reduced the incidence of frostbite. For studies on treatment, frostbite was produced experimentally in 4 groups of rats. Group I was treated as control, group II was administered 5 mg of Vit C/100 g bw (orally) daily for 15 days. rapid rewarming at 37 degree centigrade on the exposed limbs of group III animals was carried out immediately after cold exposure. Combination of rapid rewarming followed by C therapy was given to group IV. The degree of injury of various groups were compared statistically. Prolonged Vit C therapy as well as waterbath rewarming at body temperature immediately after cold exposure showed significant reduction in tissue damage. High dose of Vit C therapy preceded by rapid rewarming showed additional benefit in reducing the tissue loss.