Fatty Acid Profile of Blood Plasma at Mating and Early Gestation in Rabbit.

Imane Hadjadj,Eva Armero,María De La Luz García,Anna-Katharina Hankele,María-José Argente

doi:10.3390/ani11113200

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the fatty acid (FA) profile of blood plasma at mating and 72 hpm by gas chromatography. Moreover, the correlation between FA and ovulation rate, normal embryos and compacted morulae was estimated. Palmitic, linoleic, oleic and stearic were the highest FA concentrations at mating and 72 hpm. Most long chain saturated and PUFA were higher at 72 hpm than at mating, while MUFA were higher at mating. SFA, MUFA and PUFA were high and positively correlated. Correlation was 0.643 between MUFA at mating and ovulation rate, and 0.781 between MUFA and normal embryos, respectively. Compacted morulae were slightly correlated with SFA at mating (0.465). In conclusion, the FA profile of plasma varies depending on the reproductive cycle of the rabbit female, adapting to energetic requirements at mating and early gestation. Moreover, positive correlations are found between fatty acids and ovulation rate and embryo development and quality.

Highlights

From ovulation to implantation, oocytes and embryos are supported by maternal secretions from the oviduct and uterus
fatty acid (FA) play a crucial role in modifying the physical properties and functions of biological membranes, and have potential effects on oocyte growth and maturation and embryo development and transport through reproductive traits [10,11,12]
Short and medium chain FA were shown in very low concentrations and similar concentrations were found at mating and at 72 hpm

Summary

Introduction

Oocytes and embryos are supported by maternal secretions from the oviduct and uterus (cow [1], sheep [2], murine [3], horse [4], sow [5]and rabbit [6]). Oocytes and embryos are supported by maternal secretions from the oviduct and uterus A complex milieu containing proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids (FA) is constituted to maintain embryo viability. Fatty acids represent compact reserves of stored energy for oocytes and embryos [9]. FA play a crucial role in modifying the physical properties and functions of biological membranes, and have potential effects on oocyte growth and maturation and embryo development and transport through reproductive traits [10,11,12]. The ability for the exogenous uptake of FA by the embryo has been demonstrated in several studies [13,14,15]

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