The incorporation of linolenic and linoleic acids into the plasma lipids of sheep given intra-abomasal infusions of linseed oil, maize oil or linoleic acid

Abstract

1. The fatty acid compositions of the plasma cholesteryl esters, phospholipids, triglycerides and unesterified fatty acids were determined in three sheep at various times after they had been given intra-abomasal infusions of emulsions of linseed oil, maize oil or linoleic acid.2. The concentrations of linolenic acid or linoleic acid in the plasma triglycerides began to increase 1.5 h after infusion of the emulsions had begun. As the concentration of linolenic or linoleic acids in the plasma triglycerides increased, the concentrations of palmitic and stearic acids decreased, hut there were no appreciable changes in the concentrations of oleic acid.3. The concentrations of linolenic or linoleic acid in the plasma phospholipids and cholesteryl esters did not begin to increase until 8–9 h and 24–25 h respectively after the infusions of the emulsions had begun.4. It is suggested that, after absorption from the small intestine of the sheep, linolenic and linoleic acids are transported in triglyceride form to the liver where the triglycerides are partially or completely hydrolysed. These C18polyunsaturated acids are then preferentially utilized for the synthesis of phospholipids and cholesteryl esters but not for the re-synthesis of triglycerides.