Fatty Acid Composition of Plasma Lipids of Normal, Triton-Treated and Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits

Abstract

The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids, triglycerides, cholesteryl esters, non-esterified fatty acids and total lipids of cholesterol-fed, Triton-treated and normal rabbits were determined by gas-liquid chromatography. The hyperlipemia induced by injections of Triton is characterized by an increased amount of linoleic acid in the phospholipids; a triglyceride fatty acid spectrum resembling closely that of a depot fat by a high linoleic and low stearic acid level, and cholesteryl esters with low linoleic and high oleic acid content. The hyperlipemia induced by cholesterol feeding showed almost normal fatty acid patterns in the phospholipids, triglycerides with high stearic and low linoleic acid content and cholesteryl esters showing a fast and lasting alteration toward a low linoleic and a high oleic acid content. The possible relation between specific plasma fatty acid alterations and incidence of atheromatous lesions in rabbits is discussed.