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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
10:22
In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches to Determine Intestinal Epithelial Cell Permeability
Published on: October 19, 2018
Intestinal epithelial cells absorb gamma-tocotrienol faster than alpha-tocopherol
Wakako Tsuzuki1, Ritsuko Yunoki, Hiroyuki Yoshimura
1National Food Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. wakako@affrc.go.jp
Lipids
|March 30, 2007
Summary
Tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, are absorbed and secreted more rapidly by intestinal cells than tocopherols. This difference in epithelial transport is linked to their molecular structure, impacting plasma levels.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin E isomers, including tocopherols and tocotrienols, are lipophilic compounds with distinct molecular structures.
- Understanding their transepithelial transport is crucial for elucidating nutrient absorption and bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the cellular uptake and secretion characteristics of tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers in Caco2 cell models.
- To examine the in vivo intestinal absorption and plasma kinetics of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocotrienol in mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Caco2 cell monolayer models to assess the initial cellular accumulation and secretion of vitamin E isomers.
- Employed transwell systems for investigating the directional transport of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocotrienol.
- Administered single oral doses of alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocotrienol to mice to analyze plasma concentration changes.
Main Results:
- Tocotrienol isomers showed higher initial accumulation in Caco2 cells compared to their corresponding tocopherol isomers.
- The secretion rate of gamma-tocotrienol from Caco2 cells was faster than that of alpha-tocopherol.
- In vivo, gamma-tocotrienol exhibited a faster plasma response in mice post-administration than alpha-tocopherol, despite lower peak levels.
Conclusions:
- The structural difference in the hydrocarbon tail between tocopherols and tocotrienols significantly influences their epithelial transport.
- Tocotrienols demonstrate more rapid intestinal uptake and transport compared to tocopherols, affecting their pharmacokinetic profiles.
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