Gestational hyperlipidemia in the rat is characterized by accumulation of n − 6 and n − 3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid

Abstract

We have evaluated the relative and quantitative changes in long-chain fatty acids in maternal liver, serum, carcass and conceptus (fetuses plus placentae) during pregnancy in the rat, to ascertain whether previous concern over lower proportions of n − 6 and n − 3 fatty acids in maternal serum could be indicative of suboptimal n − 6 or n − 3 fatty acid status. Gestational hyperlipidemia was characterized by proportional decreases in linoleic, stearic and arachidonic acids but increases in palmitic and docosahexaenoic acids. However, the quantitative amount (μg/ml) of linoleic, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in serum lipids actually increased 2–5-fold from mid-pregnancy to term. Compared to non-pregnant rats, gestational hyperlipidemia was also associated with a lower proportion but similar quantity of linoleic acid in maternal carcass and adipose stores. We conclude that gestational hyperlipidemia in the rat is characterized by a relative but not quantitative decrease in whole-body stores of n − 6 fatty acids and a marked proportional and quantitative increase in docosahexaenoic acid in maternal organs and in the conceptus.