Ascaris lumbricoides: Incorporation of linoleic acid-1- 14C into fatty acids

Abstract

Male Ascaris lumbricoides were administered linoleic acid-1- 14C by injection into the pseudocoelom to determine distribution of label into other compounds. Analysis was done by thin-layer, gas—liquid, and column chromatography, and by liquid scintillation spectrometry. Water-soluble fatty acids averaged 8.2% of the administered radioactivity while 67.7% was found in the remaining fat. Volatile fatty acids with the greatest amount of 14C activity were acetic, propionic, and α-methylvaleric. No radioactivity was found in the carbon dioxide and little, if any, in the glycogen or worm culture medium. Of the radioactivity in the long-chain fatty acids, 89.5% remained in the 18:2 acid. Activity was also found in the 18:0, 18:1, and 20:2 and possibly in the 18:3 and 20:4 acids. Results indicated that the carboxyl group of linoleic acid-1- 14C was incorporated into glycogen, volatile fatty acids, and long-chain fatty acids with 18 or more carbons.