LIPOPROTEIN-LIPASE ACTIVITY IN LIVER OF THE RAT FETUS

Lipoprotein lipase activity was determined in tissue from pregnant and post-partum rats and virgin adult controls and in liver from fetuses and pups. A glycerol-based emulsion of tri-(1-14C)-oleoyl-glycerol was used as substrate. According to the inhibitory characteristics in the presence of protamine and NaCl, the measured activity corresponded to the extrahepatic lipoprotein lipase of the adults. Compared to control values, the lipoprotein lipase activity was reduced in the mother's adipose tissue in late gestation and during the first days after parturition while it did not change in heart. Liver activity was negligible in mothers and controls while in the fetus it increased until the time of birth. The presence of this enzyme may allow the fetus liver to remove circulating triglycerides and to store them in preparation for early extrauterine life. © 1979.