Distribution of Lutein in Membranes of Rhesus Macaque Brain

Lutein, a carotenoid with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, selectively accumulates in primate brain and may be beneficial for cognition. Lutein incorporates into membranes. However, its subcellular distribution in the brain and its interactions with other nutrients important for cognition, like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is unknown. Determining lutein's location in the brain may elucidate its function. The study aim was to determine the distribution of lutein in neuronal, myelin, mitochondrial and nuclear membranes in the frontal cortex of adult rhesus macaque (n=3) fed a standard chow with fruits and vegetables. Membranes were isolated using differential centrifugation with a Ficoll density gradient. Carotenoids and fatty acids were measured using high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, respectively. Lutein was the only carotenoid to accumulate in all membranes, despite detection of other carotenoids in whole brain, and followed a similar distribution pattern as DHA. Lutein concentration was significantly higher in myelin compared to mitochondrial membrane (14.3 and 5.2 pmol/mg protein, respectively) (p<0.01), and neuronal and nuclear membranes (7.3 and 6.7 pmol/mg protein, respectively) (p<0.05). These results provide insight into lutein's role in the brain. This work was supported by a grant from Abbott Nutrition through the Center for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory at the University of Illinois, DSM Nutritional Products, and USDA (58‐1950‐0‐014).