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Related Experiment Videos

Ascorbic acid and L-gulonolactone oxidase in lagomorphs.

R Jenness1, E C Birney, K L Ayaz

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. B, Comparative Biochemistry
|January 1, 1978
PubMed
Summary

Rabbit L-gulonolactone oxidase activity varies seasonally and by species, influenced by diet and genetics. This enzyme

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Comparative Physiology
  • Animal Science

Background:

  • L-gulonolactone oxidase (GULO) is a key enzyme in L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) synthesis.
  • Vitamin C synthesis is absent in humans and some other species, but present in many mammals.
  • Species-specific differences in GULO activity and vitamin C metabolism are known.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate seasonal and inter-species variations in L-gulonolactone oxidase activity in rabbits.
  • To examine the effects of diet and breed on GULO activity and tissue ascorbate levels.
  • To compare GULO activity in wild and domestic rabbit populations.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme assays were performed on liver tissue from various rabbit species and breeds.
  • Tissue ascorbate levels were measured.
  • Animals were subjected to dietary manipulations (e.g., high L-ascorbic acid intake) and breed comparisons.

Main Results:

  • Eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) showed a 10-fold higher GULO activity in winter compared to summer.
  • Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) exhibited low GULO activity and high tissue ascorbate year-round.
  • High dietary L-ascorbic acid depressed GULO activity in Sylvilagus and Oryctolagus.
  • New Zealand White rabbits had higher GULO activity and liver ascorbate than Dutch rabbits.
  • Wild Australian rabbits showed intermediate and variable GULO levels.

Conclusions:

  • L-gulonolactone oxidase activity in rabbits is influenced by season, species, diet, and breed.
  • Seasonal variations in GULO activity may be linked to environmental factors.
  • Dietary vitamin C can suppress endogenous enzyme activity, suggesting metabolic regulation.

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