Abstract
The effect of L-ascorbic acid on the activity of pepsin in the presence of free radical producing system was studied and the following results were obtained.
The enzyme was greatly inhibited by the co-existence of hydrogen peroxide and L-ascorbic acid. While the enzyme was slightly inactivated by cupric, ferrous, or ferric ions, it was greatly inhibited by the co-existence of L-ascorbic acid and these ions.
The enzyme was inactivated by the Fenton's system (hydrogen peroxide plus ferrous ion), especially. This inhibition was greately enhanced by the further addition of L-ascorbic acid. The enzyme was also inhibited by L-ascorbic acid and ferrous-EDTA system.
