Presence of carotenoids in the erythrocyte membranes of carotenemic and noncarotenemic individuals

Abstract

Erythrocytes and erythrocyte membranes obtained from carotenemic (serum carotene >4.0 mg/liter) and noncarotenemic individuals contain a small amount of carotenoid pigments. The principal pigment isolated from erythrocytes and erythrocyte membranes from carotenemic individuals cochromatographed with, and has an absorption spectrum similar to, authentic beta carotene. Traces of beta carotene were also found in the extracts of the erythrocytes and membranes obtained from the noncarotenemic individuals. These pigments were demonstrable only when the erythrocytes were extracted in the presence of an anti oxidant (pyrogallol). Anti oxidants should be used in the extraction and saponification process when only small samples are available or when only small amounts of carotenoid pigments are present in the material to be extracted.