LIPID PRODUCTION-RATES AND THE PATHOGENESIS OF FATTY LIVER IN FASTED COWS

Lipid production across the liver was measured in cathetenzed dairy cows in vivo in the fed state and during 6 days of fasting. Production rates were calculated from the lipid concentrations in arterial, portal and hepatic-venous plasma and from the rates of plasma flow in the portal vein and the hepatic veins. There was a consistent net hepatic output of triacylglycerol and a net hepatic uptake of free fatty acids in the fed state. In the fasted state there was a significant change to a net hepatic uptake of triacylglycerol and an increased hepatic uptake of free fatty acids. Both factors are likely to result in an accumulation of triacylglycerol in the liver. © 1979, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.