Distribution of ascorbate in the anterior bovine eye.

PURPOSE

To analyze the ascorbate distribution in the anterior eye wall to better understand the functional significance of this compound in the eye.

METHOD

Ascorbic acid was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography using an LC-10 system (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). Bovine eye samples were used.

RESULTS

The highest ascorbate concentration was observed in the corneal epithelium, with significantly higher values in the central (1.56 mg/g) than in the peripheral (1.39 mg/g) area. The ascorbate content was similar in the corneal stroma (0.22 mg/g), the Descemet's membrane (DM)/endothelium (0.22 mg/g), and the aqueous humor (0.21 mg/ml). By comparison, the sclera (0.15 mg/g) and the conjunctiva (0.11 mg/g) showed lower values, as did the lacrimal gland (0.09 mg/g) and the serum (0.0008 mg/ml).

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Peak ascorbate concentration was observed in the central corneal epithelium covering the pupillary area. This is compatible with the idea that the ascorbate may act as an UV filter shielding internal eye structures from radiation damage. (2) The ascorbate concentration in the corneal stroma and DM/endothelium was as high as in the aqueous humor, and it is suggested that the aqueous humor plays a key role in the distribution of ascorbate to the anterior eye wall.