title: Intestinal absorption of S-adenosyl-L-methionine.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine