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In vivo metabolism of aloemannan

A Yagi1, J Nakamori, T Yamada

  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuyama University, Japan. yagi@fupharm.fukuyama-u.ac.jp

Planta Medica
|July 27, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Fluoresceinyl isothiocyanate labeled aloemannan (FITC-AM) is metabolized into smaller compounds that accumulate in the kidneys. Its immunomodulatory effects may stem from both polysaccharides and hexosamine components.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Aloemannan (AM) is known for its immunomodulatory properties.
  • The metabolic pathways and active components of AM require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the metabolism and catabolism of fluoresceinyl isothiocyanate labeled aloemannan (FITC-AM) in vivo.
  • To identify potential sources of AM's immunomodulatory activity.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of FITC-AM (120 mg/kg) via oral and intravenous routes in mice.
  • Analysis of FITC-AM and its metabolites in urine and feces.
  • Characterization of AM catabolites produced by human intestinal microflora.
  • Hydrolysis of AM and detection of hexosamine using High-Performance Anion-Exchange Chromatography (HPAE).

Main Results:

  • FITC-AM (500 KD) was metabolized into smaller molecules, primarily accumulating in the kidneys.
  • Human intestinal microflora catabolized AM into two main components (Catabolites 1 and 2, MW 30 KD and 10 KD).
  • Hydrolysis revealed hexosamine peaks, indicating their presence in the AM preparation.

Conclusions:

  • The metabolism of FITC-AM involves breakdown into smaller, kidney-accumulating compounds.
  • Aloemannan catabolism by gut microflora produces distinct molecular weight fragments.
  • Immunomodulation by AM may be attributed to both its neutral polysaccharide structure and contaminating hexosamines.

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