Free Porphyrin Concentrations and Porphyrin Synthesis in Duck Tissues

Abstract

Proto- and coproporphyrin concentrations in Pekin duck [Anas domesticusi tissues were determined. The tissues and corresponding protoporphyrin concentrations (m[mu]mole/kg) were erythrocytes (1200), liver (500), heart (410), gizzard (400), intestine (330), kidney (250), spleen (220), breast muscle (170), brain (88), and testes (42). The ratio of proto- to coproporphyrin concentrations ranged from 5 in liver to 22 in erythrocytes. The porphyrin concentrations were not significantly correlated. As indicated by glycine-2-14c incorporation into free porphyrin, heme, or both, the tissues, except possibly heart, synthesized porphyrin in vitro. Correlation between porphyrin synthesis and concentration was positive and significant.