Intestinal absorption of S-adenosyl-L-methionine
Stramentinoli, G.; Gualano, M.; Galli-Kienle, M.
Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 209(3): 323-326
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3565 PMID: 439007 Document Number: 153278
The gastrointestinal absorption of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is demonstrated by evaluating plasma levels and gastrointestinal content of the unmodified molecule after oral administration. When [methyl-14C]SAMe is given orally, the radioactivity found in the liver is associated both with SAMe and phosphatidylcholine, a compound known to be derived from the methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine with SAMe as a methyl donor. These results and low plasma levels after the oral administration may be suggestive of a first-pass effect of SAMe characterized by an extensive uptake of the drug by the liver where it is rapidly metabolized.