We have previously demonstrated that skeletal muscle cells possess efficient systems for vitamin C accumulation; in particular, the SVCT2 transporter for ascorbic acid uptake seems to play a crucial role. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanism(s) accounting for SVCT2 activity in C2C12 myotubes. We found that transcription of the SVCT2 gene could be positively or negatively modulated by the presence of oxidant (H(2)O(2)) or antioxidant (lipoate) compounds, respectively. This redox-mediated regulation of SVCT2 expression seemed to be achieved via AP-1 and NF-kappaB signaling. Our findings could be relevant in skeletal muscle, where reactive oxygen species, naturally produced during physical exercise, can induce muscle damage. Thus, the redox-sensitive SVCT2 expression can be placed among the adaptive responses induced by contractile activity.