The Graafian follicle is a site of L-ascorbate accumulation

Purpose: Our purpose was to evaluate the L-ascorbate level in human preovul atory follicular fluid and to quantify: the blood/follicle gradient for vit amin C. The effect of smoking on the follicular L-ascorbate concentration w as studied. The correlations were tested between follicular L-ascorbate and follicle size and oocyte maturity: Methods: In 65 women undergoing in vitro fertilization, samples of follicul ar fluid and blood serum were collected. Biochemical analyses included L-as corbate determinations by a colorimetric method and cotinine measurements b y a radioimmunoassay Results: The average follicular fluid:serum ratio for L-ascorbate was 1:68. Ascorbate levels in follicular fluid and serum were significantly correlat ed The follicular L-ascorbate level did not correlate with the follicle siz e and the oocyte maturity grade. insignificantly lowered follicular L-ascor bate levels were observed in smokers. Conclusions: The extracellular compartment of the Graafian follicle is a si te of an ascorbate accumulation. Exposure to tobacco smoke does not signifi cantly diminish the intrafollicular pool of L-ascorbate.