EN
The effect of vitamin C on the activity of alpha-amylase of plasma and tissuess was examined on 25 rabbits. The activity of alpha-amylase was determined by the method of Caraway and vitamin C by the method of Roe-Kuethner. It was found that sorbic acid increases the activity of alpha-amylase in panreas by 12.5%, in parothidic glands by 5.2%, in liver by 92.3%, in duodenum by 18.7% and in jejunum by 11.1%. The initial decrease of plasma activity of alpha-amylase from 4866 u/l to 4142 u/l coincided with an increase of the content of vitamin C from 14.2 µmol/l to 287.0 µmol/1. After 24 h since the application of vitamin C when plasma level of vitamin C lowered to an initial value the acivity of alpha-amylase increased to 8156 u/l. The application of vitamin C in substantia or food containing high concentration of this vitamin may give some unexpected results. Alterations in alpha-amylase activity by vitamin C may play a valid role when the activity of this enzyme is determined for diagnostic purposes.