LIPID METABOLISM OF THE RAT UTERUS AFTER MATING

Abstract

SUMMARY In this study of lipid metabolism of the rat uterus during early pregnancy, lipids were extracted after incubation with [1,2-14C]acetate or after its administration in vivo. The results indicated that the synthesis and concentration of triglyceride increased with time after mating. Triglyceride accumulated in uterine tissue before implantation and was depleted in tissue from implantation areas by day 7. Synthesis of fatty acid increased with time after mating, as did the concentration of various lipids other than cholesterol in the free sterol fraction. Supporting the concept that lipids are necessary during early embryonic development, the results suggest that the rat utilizes endometrial fatty acid esterified to triglyceride. No trends related to time were seen in the rate of synthesis nor in the concentration of sterol ester or free fatty acid; hence, specific concentrations of these lipids are probably not necessary for embryonic development during early pregnancy.