Synthesis of l-ascorbic acid from d-glucurono-1,4-lactone conjugates by different species of animals

Abstract

1. 1. Microsomal fractions of tissues from various species that are known to produce l-ascorfoic acid—namely, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds—were found to synthesize the vitamin from d-glucurono-1,4-lactone semicarbazone irrespective of whether the enzyme system is present in the kidney or in the liver. 2. 2. The rate of synthesis of l-ascorbic acid from d-glucurono-1,4-lactone semicarbazone is much fatter than that obtained from sodium glucuronate. 3. 3. The significance of the presence of a separate pathway of synthesizing l-ascorbic acid from d-glucurono-1,4-lactone conjugate has been discussed.