Threshold changes in rat brain docosahexaenoic acid incorporation and concentration following graded reductions in dietary alpha-linolenic acid.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study tested the dietary level of alpha-linolenic acid (α-LNA, 18:3n-3) required to maintain brain (14)C-Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) metabolism and concentration following graded α-LNA reduction.

Methods

Fischer-344 (CDF) male rat pups (18-21 days old) were randomized to the AIN-93G diet containing as a % of total fatty acids, 4.6% ("n-3 adequate"), 3.6%, 2.7%, 0.9% or 0.2% ("n-3 deficient") α-LNA for 15 weeks. Rats were intravenously infused with (14)C-DHA to steady state for 5 min, serial blood samples collected to obtain plasma, and brains excised following microwave fixation. Labeled and unlabeled DHA concentrations were measured in plasma and brain to calculate the incorporation coefficient, k*, and incorporation rate, J(in).

Results

Compa

SUBMITTER: Taha AY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4752724 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature