Lipid production rates and the pathogenesis of fatty liver in fasted cows

Abstract

SUMMARY Lipid production across the liver was measured in catheterized dairy cows in vivo in the fed state and during 6 days of fasting. Production rates were calculated from the lipid concentrations in arterial, portal and hepatic-venous plasma and from the rates of plasma flow in the portal vein and the hepatic veins. There was a consistent net hepatic output of triacylglycerol and a net hepatic uptake of free fatty acids in the fed state. In the fasted state there was a significant change to a net hepatic uptake of triacylglycerol and an increased hepatic uptake of free fatty acids. Both factors are likely to result in an accumulation of triacylglycerol in the liver.