THE DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOACTIVE CARBON IN THE RAT AFTER THE ADMINISTRATION OF RANDOMLY LABELLED C¹⁴-β-CAROTENE

Abstract

The distribution of C 14 has been studied in rats following the oral administration of C 14 -β-carotene, which is known to be readily converted to vitamin A in the intestine. The rats were maintained in a respiration chamber and individuals removed at various time intervals up to 28 hours after dosing, and the concentration of C 14 in tissues was determined. The counts per million per gram of tissue was higher in the adrenal glands and hypophysis than in the other organs examined. The pattern of C 14 distribution in intestine, liver, kidneys, and blood appears consistent with current knowledge of the metabolism of vitamin A.