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A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Sexual difference in ascorbic acid synthesis, tissue ascorbic acid and plasma total antioxidant capacity in mature
1Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0311, USA. dmrc@clemson.edu
British Poultry Science
|August 19, 2007
Summary
Gender significantly impacts ascorbic acid levels and synthesis in chickens. Males show higher antioxidant capacity and tissue ascorbic acid, while females exhibit greater ascorbic acid synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is crucial for poultry health, acting as an antioxidant and playing a role in various metabolic processes.
- While chickens can synthesize their own ascorbic acid, factors like gender may influence its production and tissue distribution.
- Understanding these gender-specific differences is important for optimizing poultry health and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of gender on tissue ascorbic acid concentration, plasma total antioxidant capacity, and ascorbic acid synthesis in White Leghorn chickens.
- To compare the activity of renal L-gulonolactone oxidase, a key enzyme in ascorbic acid synthesis, between male and female chickens.
- To determine gender-based variations in ascorbic acid levels across different tissues and plasma.
Main Methods:
- Commercial White Leghorn chickens were reared on litter and fed a standard diet without supplemental ascorbic acid from 18 weeks of age.
- At 30 weeks of age, tissue ascorbic acid concentration, plasma total antioxidant capacity, and renal L-gulonolactone oxidase activity were measured.
- Ascorbic acid concentrations were analyzed in various tissues including adrenal, gonadal, plasma, pituitary, spleen, thymus, and comb.
Main Results:
- Significant gender-based differences were observed in both ascorbic acid synthesis and tissue concentrations.
- Males exhibited higher plasma total antioxidant capacity and higher ascorbic acid concentrations in adrenal, gonadal, plasma, and pituitary tissues.
- Females demonstrated significantly higher ascorbic acid synthesis (indicated by renal L-gulonolactone oxidase activity) and higher ascorbic acid concentrations in splenic and thymic tissues.
Conclusions:
- Gender is a significant factor influencing ascorbic acid metabolism and distribution in chickens.
- Males and females display distinct patterns of ascorbic acid utilization and synthesis, with males having higher overall antioxidant status and females showing enhanced synthesis capacity.
- These findings highlight the need to consider gender-specific nutritional or physiological management strategies in poultry farming.
