5. Conclusion
The major new finding of the present study is that vitamin C prevents the endothelial dysfunction induced by acute ethanol intake, further implicating oxidative stress in such response. The mechanism underlying the protective effect of vitamin might involve increased aortic SOD activity, reduced generation of ROS in endothelial cells and increased NO bioavailability in endothelial cells. Vitamin C-induced eNOS phosphorylation at ser1177 residue may also contribute to the protective effect of vitamin C against ethanol-induced endothelial dysfunction. All together, the effects of vitamin C preserve acetylcholine-induced NO generation in endothelial cells.