Kinetic characteristics of beta-carotene uptake after an injection of beta-carotene in pigs

Two experiments were conducted to study the uptake of beta-carotene in plasma, lipoproteins, and blood cells in pigs (50 to 55 kg; n = 40) after an i.m. injection of 0, 10, 20, or 40 mg of beta-carotene. Blood was sampled at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postinjection. beta-Carotene was not detectable in plasma, lipoproteins, or blood cells of control pigs. However, concentrations of beta-carotene in plasma and lipoproteins increased in a dose-related manner in injected animals. Distribution of beta-carotene in the lipoproteins changed with time postinjection. The beta-carotene associated with very low density lipoproteins increased and that in low density lipoproteins decreased with time in treated pigs. Concentrations of beta-carotene in lymphocytes of treated pigs also increased within 3 h postinjection. The profile of beta-carotene in lymphocytes was different from that observed in plasma and lipoproteins. Carotene was not detectable in neutrophils and erythrocytes. Treatment did not alter concentrations of retinol or alpha-tocopherol in plasma, lipoproteins, or blood cells. Therefore, lymphocytes specifically take up beta-carotene, thereby suggesting a possible role of beta-carotene in this immune cell.