[Distribution of beta-carotene in the rat upon its intraperitoneal administration in water soluble and oil forms]

Accumulation and excretion of beta-carotene in rat liver tissue were studied when the carotinoid was intraperitoneally administered as olive oil as suspension and a water liposomal suspension. Single injection of the liposomal form of beta-carotene caused an increase in its content in liver tissue. If beta-carotene was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg its maximal content 44 mg/g of the tissue was observed within one day, and at a dose of 50 mg/kg, its maximal content constituted 178 mg/g within two days. Administration of beta-carotene as an oil suspension at a dose of 50 mg/kg led to a considerably slight accumulation in rat liver tissue with the maximal value of 12 mg/kg of the tissue within two days. Possible use of beta-carotene various forms, as well as experimental models for study their biological activity are discussed.