Dehydroascorbic acid and ascorbic acid transport systems in the guinea pig ileum.

The transport properties of dehydroascorbic acid and ascorbic acid in membrane vesicle preparations of guinea pig ileum were evaluated. Na-dependent transport of ascorbic acid in the brush-border membrane was confirmed, and an Na-independent mechanism was found in the basolateral membrane. The electrically neutral oxidized form of vitamin C is transported by an Na-independent mechanism at both cell surfaces. Transport of each substrate is saturable and exhibits cis-inhibition and trans-stimulation in the presence of structural analogues. Additional studies on ascorbate metabolism will be necessary to support a comprehensive model of intestinal handling of vitamin C.