Abstract
In the previous paper, the authors suggested that ergothioneine (Ergo) is closely related to the sex organs, Ergo found in the animal body was considered to have been derived food source, but the probable participation of the intestinal bacterioflora in its biosynthesis remains to be solved. Accordingly, Ergo content in various organs was compared both in germfree and in conventional rats or mice. As a result, it became clear that Ergo content in organs of germfree animals is higher than that in the corresponding organs of conventional animals, except rat liver, and that the intestinal bacterioflora is rather responsible for decomposition rather than biosynthesis of Ergo. The difference in Ergo concentration was the most remarkable in the male sex organs. In the process of hatch, Ergo content in the whole fertilized egg was unchanged in contrast to the increased content in early stage of embryo, and then diminished. These results suggest that biosynthesis of Ergo in animal body is quite unlikely. (Received June 29,1972)
