Effects of ascorbate and ATP upon amino acid transport in the toad's cornea.

We have examined the effects of ascorbate upon amino acid uptake by the in vitro toad cornea. Physiologic levels of ascorbate increase the uptake of leucine by approximately 35% but have no effect upon the uptake of alanine. Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation do not inhibit the stimulation by ascorbic acid of leucine accumulation, indicating the increased synthesis of ATP is not the mechanism; exogenous ATP, unlike ascorbate, stimulates the uptake of both alanine and leucine. Carbon monoxide blocks the effects of ascorbate, whereas 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide (HOQNO), which inhibits "reverse" electron transfer, enhances the accumulation of leucine. The evidence suggests that ascorbate serves as an energy source for the uptake of leucine.