IN-VIVO REACTION BETWEEN [60]-FULLERENE AND VITAMIN-A IN MOUSE-LIVER

An in vivo biotransformation of [60] fullerene is observed that does n ot follow a usual redox metabolic pathway. Following the administratio n of a single dose of micronized C-60 to Swiss mice, C-60-retinol and retinyl palmitate adducts were identified in liver by UV/VIS spectrosc opy and mass spectrometry after high performance liquid chromatography . NMR investigations of the main biotransformed compound, after in vit ro synthesis, show cycloaddition of retinol to C-60. The observed biot ransformation, which proves that C-60 does not remain unchanged in the liver as believed previously, also shows that Diels-Alder-like reacti ons can occur in vivo.