Abstract
The effect of ascorbic acid on the complex of enzymes involved in the side chain cleavage of cholesterol in the immature rat ovary has been studied. The mitochondrial cholesterol side chain cleavage enzymes were inhibited by concentrations of ascorbic acid similar to those found in the resting ovary. A decrease in the ascorbic acid content released the side chain cleavage reaction from inhibition. The enzyme complex was separated on a Sephadex G 200 and DEAE Sephadex column and was found to contain three protein components; cytochrome P450, non-heme iron protein and a flavoprotein. It is suggested that one role of ascorbic acid in the ovary may be to act as a physiological control mechanism since at high levels it inhibits side chain cleavage while at lower concentrations it permits the reaction to proceed.
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