Δ6 desaturase in brain and liver during development and aging

Δ6 Desaturase was measured in the mouse brain and liver using linoleic acid as substrate. During pre‐ and postnatal development, Δ6 desaturase in brain decreased dramatically (12‐fold) up to postnatal day 21 and remained nearly constant thereafter. In liver, the activity increased approximately 9‐fold between day 3 before birth and day 7 after birth. Then it decreased slightly up to weaning and was approximately constant up to 4 mo. From then on, Δ6 desaturase decreased with age (40% between 4 and 17 mo).