Metabolism of gossypol in the chick.

Abstract

Abstract14C labeled gossypol was administered to young chickens and the deposition of gossypol plus gossypol decomposition products in the various tissues was evaluated by determination of14C activity in a scintillation spectrometer. Most of the gossypol activity was recovered in the feces with relatively smaller amounts retained by the tissues. Most of the labeled compound retained was found in the liver, muscle, blood and kidneys, with the highest concentration in the liver. Increasing the protein content of the diet by the addition of fish meal reduced the amount of gossypol plus gossypol decomposition products found in the tissues.