The biosynthesis of astaxanthin. XVII. Intermediates in the conversion of β-carotene

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1973

Abstract

1. 1. β-Carotene was fed to depleted goldfish at the levels of 2 mg. and 10 mg. per g. of food at different time intervals. 2. 2. The administration of β-carotene at 2 mg. per g. of food increased the astaxanthin content of the fish more than fourfold. 3. 3. In addition, isocryptoxanthin, isozeaxanthin, echinenone, and 4-hydroxy-4'-keto-β-carotene were synthesized. 4. 4. These pigments were undoubtedly metabolic products of β-carotene. They were not detected in the depleted fish and they disappeared when the fish fed with β-carotene for 6 days were returned to the non-carotenoid diet for 4 days. 5. 5. Increasing the β-carotene supplement to 10 mg. per g. of food raised the isocryptoxanthin and echinenone concentrations markedly. 6. 6. The data obtained proved that β-carotene is converted by the goldfish to astaxanthin through isocryptoxamhin, isozeaxanthin, echinenone, 4-hydroxy-4'-keto-β-carotene, and possibly canthaxanthin and phoenicoxanthin. © 1973.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

International Journal of Biochemistry

Volume

4

Issue

21

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