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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
11:56
A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Brain ascorbate depletion as a response to stress
B W Tucker1, B M Tolbert, J E Halver
1College of Ocean and Fisheries Science, Univ. of Wash., Seattle 98195.
Summary
Rainbow trout brain ascorbate uptake is slow and turnover is long. Stress from metabolism chambers significantly depleted brain ascorbate, suggesting a separate brain pool.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Animal Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Ascorbate (vitamin C) is essential for many physiological processes in fish.
- Rainbow trout often experience ascorbate depletion, impacting their health.
- Understanding ascorbate metabolism is crucial for aquaculture and fish welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the kinetics of ascorbic acid uptake and turnover in rainbow trout.
- To determine the impact of physiological stress on brain ascorbate levels.
- To propose a model for brain ascorbate compartmentalization.
Main Methods:
- Ascorbate-depleted rainbow trout were administered a single dose of radiolabeled L-1-14C-ascorbic acid.
- Fish were housed in metabolism chambers for four consecutive five-day periods.
- Tissue samples were analyzed for 14C, ascorbate, and ascorbate-2-sulfate concentrations.
Main Results:
- Brain ascorbate exhibited a prolonged turnover time and a slow uptake rate.
- A highly significant loss of brain ascorbate (p < 0.001) was observed in fish subjected to metabolism chambers compared to controls.
- These findings suggest a distinct brain ascorbate pool separate from the general body pool.
Conclusions:
- A compartmentalized brain ascorbate pool that does not readily exchange with the systemic circulation is proposed.
- Metabolism chamber conditions induce significant stress, leading to rapid depletion of this brain ascorbate pool.
- Further research into the mechanisms and kinetic modeling of this brain ascorbate pool is warranted.
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