Seasonal changes in the lipids of adipose tissue in a hibernating lizard (Uromatix hardwickii).

Abstract

SummaryStudies were made on the changes in the lipid pattern of adipose tissue in a lizard during hibernation, arousal, and activity. A relation appears to exist between the fat composition of the adipose tissue and the lizards seasonal physiological state. Adipose tissue shows a marked increase in size and lipid content during the prehibernation and hibernation periods. Arousal resulted in a two- to threefold reduction in the tissue weight and its fat content, and this remained low during activity. Triglycerides always represented the bulk of the lipid fraction. During arousal and activity the levels of EFA and cholesterol were reduced. Despite the alterations in the fatty acid pattern of triglycerides, especially in the levels of palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, and linolenic acids, there was no change in the total unsaturation during hibernation, arousal, and activity. The relative proportions of the lipolytic products (FFA, DG, and MG) were increased during arousal and activity, and were associated wit...