Arikan, S.Sands, H.S.Rodway, R.G.Batchelder, D.N.2020-06-252020-06-252002closedAccess0378-4320https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4320(02)00020-9https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12587/2995Raman spectroscopy has been used to identify and locate beta-carotene within individual living luteal cells. The cells were either freshly prepared or cultured; the latter was incubated in the presence or absence of beta-carotene in the form of enriched bovine high-density lipoprotem. Luteal cells were investigated using several Raman spectroscopic and imaging techniques. These techniques did not give accurate concentration levels of beta-carotene within parts of the cell but illustrated the distribution of the molecule. Freshly prepared luteal cells were found to contain an appreciable concentration of beta-carotene. Over a period of several days, the concentration gradually reduced to a nearly undetectable level; similar results were found for cells cultured in the absence of the beta-carotene. For cells cultured in the presence of beta-carotene, the molecular concentration was maintained for as long as 2 weeks. The Raman spectra of fragmented cells showed that the beta-carotene is predominantly localised in the lipid-rich cell components, with the concentration highest in the microsomal fraction. The Raman imaging techniques revealed that beta-carotene was spread over the entire volume of the luteal cells with higher levels occurring at distinct sites, including the surface. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccesscattle-ovaryluteal cellscaroteneRaman spectroscopyArticle713-424926610.1016/S0378-4320(02)00020-92-s2.0-003712423112047933Q1WOS:000176451100010Q1