Availability of Ascorbyl Palmitate,a Lipophilic Derivative of Ascorbate,for Redox Signalling in the Carotid Body

The exact mechanism of hypoxia sensing by the carotid body remains unknown, but the redox signalling seems to be involved, due to the presence of vitamin C, or ascorbate, in the organ. In my study, I hypothesize that ascorbyl palmitate, a lipophilic derivative of ascorbate, ought to be able to penetrate the neural biomembranes, as opposed to water-soluble ascorbate, and, acting as a carrier of the ascorbate moiety, would facilitate the chemosensory respiratory response. The results support this contention.