Understanding the physiological role of retinol-binding protein in vitamin A metabolism using transgenic and knockout mouse models
L Quadro, L Hamberger, V Colantuoni… - Molecular aspects of …, 2003 - Elsevier
Retinoids (vitamin A and its derivatives) play an essential role in many biological functions.
However mammals are incapable of de novo synthesis of vitamin A and must acquire it from
the diet. In the intestine, dietary retinoids are incorporated in chylomicrons as retinyl esters,
along with other dietary lipids. The majority of dietary retinoid is cleared by and stored within
the liver. To meet vitamin A requirements of tissues, the liver secretes retinol (vitamin A
alcohol) into the circulation bound to its sole specific carrier protein, retinol-binding protein …
However mammals are incapable of de novo synthesis of vitamin A and must acquire it from
the diet. In the intestine, dietary retinoids are incorporated in chylomicrons as retinyl esters,
along with other dietary lipids. The majority of dietary retinoid is cleared by and stored within
the liver. To meet vitamin A requirements of tissues, the liver secretes retinol (vitamin A
alcohol) into the circulation bound to its sole specific carrier protein, retinol-binding protein …