Uterine and adipose lipoprotein lipase activity in hormone-treated and pregnant rats

Abstract

We report for the first time the presence of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in the uteri of adult rats. This uterine LPL activity was significantly elevated by administration of the estrogen, estradiol benzoate (EB), but not by treatment with the antiestrogen, nafoxidine. Both EB and nafoxidine, however, greatly reduce both parametrial and retroperitoneal adipose tissue LPL activities. Uterine LPL activity also changed as a function of the duration of pregnancy, increasing severalfold between days 14 and 18 and then decreasing by about 20% on day 21. These data suggest the existence of a hormone-dependent system of providing lipids for storage and/or utilization by metabolic and reproductive tissues as needed.