CONCENTRATIONS OF FREE FATTY-ACIDS, TRIGLYCERIDES AND PHOSPHOLIPIDS IN SUB-MANDIBULAR SALIVARY-GLANDS OF RATS IN ESSENTIAL FATTY-ACID DEFICIENCY

EFA deficiency was created in young weanling rats by feeding for 16 weeks purified diets containing 0% fat or 7% hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO). Control rats were fed similar diets which contained 7% corn oil or 5% HCO + 2% corn oil. Submandibular salivary gland (SMSG) lipids were extracted and analyzed for the concentrations of the free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), total lipid P and the proportions of various phospholipids. In EFA-deficient SMSG, the concentrations of FFA and TG fractions were lower compared to those of the controls. Total lipid P was either unaffected or slightly increased; the proportion of phospholipids was not changed. Possible reasons for these changes in SMSG lipids are discussed. © 1979, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.