Determination of the carotenoid phytoene in blood by high-pressure liquid chromatography

A sensitive and specific high-pressure liquid chromatographic assay was developed for the determination of phytoene in blood with an overall recovery of 86 +/- 6.0% and a limit of detection of 50-100 ng per ml of blood. This method provides for rapid and simple quantitation of phytoene using 1 ml or less of blood. The assay was used in the determination of phytoene blood levels in the dog following intravenous and oral administration of 10-mg/kg doses.