Conversion of lutein into dehydroretinol by the freshwater fish,Saccobranchus fossilis

Abstract

1. The vitamin A content ofSaccobranchus fossiliskept on a diet of rice and meat gradually decreased and became negligible at the end of 3–5 months.2.S. fossilisinitially contained more dehydroretinol than retinol; administration of β-carotene or zeaxanthin to the vitamin A-depleted fish did not result in an accumulation of dehydroretinol in the liver. On the other hand, when lutein was administered by mouth or subcutaneous injection, it was converted into dehydroretinol.