METABOLISM OF [3H]OLEIC ACID IN PARTIALLY HEPATECTOMIZED RAT

[3H]Oleic acid complexed to rat serum or 5% bovine serum albumin was injected intravenously into partially hepatectomized or laparotomized rats. The fractional turnover rates for the injected label in the two groups was calculated, labeling of liver and carcass lipids 2 min after injection were studied, and the concentrations of liver glycerides, phospholipids, and plasma free fatty acids were measured at this time. 1. 1. The fractional turnover rate of plasma free fatty acids was significantly decreased by partial hepatectomy. In spite of this the flux of plasma free fatty acids per min remained essentially unchanged. 2. 2. Liver glyceride and plasma free fatty acid concentrations were significantly increased by partial hepatectomy while liver phospholipid concentration was unaffected. 3. 3. More label was found in liver lipids in the partially hepatectomized group per g wet tissue, and a much higher proportion of this radioactivity was in the non-phospholipid fraction as compared to the laparotomized group. It is suggested that an increased incorporation of plasma free fatty acids into liver triglycerides is the major factor in the liver fat accumulation after partial hepatectomy. © 1968.