Isolation of ascorbic acid 2-sulfate from selected rat organs.

Rats were injected subcutaneously with a5S042and [I-t4Clascorbic acid. A compound was isolated from rat liver and spleen which had chromatographic properties identical to synthetic ascorbic acid 2-sulfate (AAS). This compound gave a positive methanolic FeCla reaction, contained radioactive sulfur, and on hydrolysis it degraded to ~sSO42 and il~C]ascorbic acid. The isolated compound possessed identical 2m~ ultraviolet absorption to that of AAS and co-crystallized with standard AAS to constant specific activity. These data collectively indicate the isolated compound was AAS. Quantitation by ultraviolet techniques indicated the liver possessed a concentration of 369/~M AAS. Radiochemical and chromatographic evidence is also presented for the presence of AAS in rat urine and adrenal glands.