METABOLISM OF ASTAXANTHIN IN MUSCLE AND OVARY FROM BROOK TROUT SALVELINUS-FONTINALIS

1. 1. Bioconversion of dietary astaxanthin was examined by a feeding experiment in brook trout. 2. 2. Carotenoid contents in the muscle were markedly increased throughout the periods of feeding of a diet containing astaxanthin, and decreased during the following administration of a non-carotenoid diet. Astaxanthin was the main component of the muscle along with considerable proportions of 4-ketozeaxanthin and idoxanthin during the first period, whereas zeaxanthin and lutein were the prominant carotenoids at the end of the feeding experiment. 3. 3. Carotenoid contents in the ovary were markedly increased throughout the feeding experiment, and idoxanthin was the main component along with considerable proportions of zeaxanthin, lutein and β-carotene tetrol. 4. 4. These results suggested a tissue-specific difference in the carotenoid metabolisms of the muscle and ovary. Presumed metabolic pathways of astaxanthin in the muscle and ovary are discussed. © 1990.