Journal of Lipid Research, Vol. 9, 739-747, November 1968
Copyright © 1968 by Lipid Research, Inc.

Composition and synthesis of fatty acids in atherosclerotic aortas of the pigeon

Richard W. St. Clair , Hugh B. Lofland Jr. , and Thomas B. Clarkson

Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Animal Medicine, The Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103

The composition, synthesis, and esterification of fatty acids were studied in aortas of White Carneau and Show Racer pigeons after perfusion of the aortas with a medium containing acetate-1-¹⁴C.

For both breeds of pigeons the principal change in aortic fatty acids, in response to an atherogenic diet, was a marked increase in the percentage of oleic acid in the cholesteryl ester fraction.

In atherosclerotic aortas incorporation of acetate-1-¹⁴C into the phospholipid and glyceride fractions increased 2-fold, while a much greater increase (up to 10-fold) was seen in incorporation into cholesteryl esters. In those birds receiving the atherogenic diet, palmitic acid accounted for approximately 50% of the fatty acid radioactivity, compared with approximately 25% from control aortas. Calculation of fatty acid synthesis showed the major newly synthesized fatty acids to be stearic acid in the phospholipid fraction; stearic, palmitic, and oleic acids in the glycerides; and oleic acid in the cholesteryl esters. The pattern of fatty acid synthesis was closely similar to the actual fatty acid composition of the aorta.

In atherosclerotic aortas an increased synthesis of all fatty acids was seen, but the greatest increase was seen in the synthesis of oleic acid and its esterification to cholesterol.

Supplementary key words perfused aorta • chain elongation • desaturation

Submitted on May 20, 1968
Accepted on July 30, 1968

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