1. Utilizing hen granulosa cells from the two largest (F1 and F2) follicles, we have examined the effect of sodium ascorbate (AS) on luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulated progesterone (PR) biosynthesis. 2. In experiment 1, in vitro AS levels as 0.0, 0.2, 0.4 or 0.8 mM were permutated by LH concentrations of 0.0, 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml. 3. Combination of 0.4 or 0.8 mM AS with physiological LH concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced (up to 28%) PR production. 4. In experiment 2, levels of AS at 0.3 and 0.6 mM significantly increased (up to 29%) LH induced PR synthesis. 5. These findings suggest that AS may be associated with chicken steroidogenesis as has been indicated for mammalian species.