Removal and mobilization of individual free fatty acids in dogs

Abstract

Plasma free fatty acids were determined chemically and by gas chromatography in different anatomical sites. The myocardium removed palmitic and oleic acids and lesser amounts of stearic and linoleic acids. Electrically stimulated skeletal muscle took up oleic acid in greatest quantities. Liver showed consistent removal of stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids and an occasional uptake of other acids. The splanchnic area did not remove or mobilize free fatty acids. The composition of free fatty acids in thoracic duct lymph was similar to that in arterial blood, with the exception of a higher percentage of linoleic and possibly oleic acid. The total and free fatty acid fractions of the inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue showed a similar distribution of fatty acids. Both were relatively high in oleic and linoleic acids. Free fatty acid released by adipose tissue had a lower oleic and linoleic acid content than that present in the cell.