In vitro Metabolism of C-14 Labeled β-Carotene. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Ten to 20% of β-carotene was destroyed by incubating C-14 labeled β-carotene with various tissues from the rat. All tissues studied had the ability to transfer radioactivity from β-carotene to sterols, saponifiable material and steam-distillable compound or compounds. ATP, DPN, nicotinamide and MgCl₂ were cofactors that increased β-carotene destruction by cell-free homogenates. A negligible amount of CO₂ was liberated during incubation.

The author thanks Mrs. Phyllis Spiker for technical assistance.