Incorporation in vitro of 14C fatty acids into bovine sebaceous gland and dermal lipids

A study has been made of the incorporation in vitro of l4C palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids into the skin lipids of cattle. Linoleic acid was incorporated into the triglyceride (triacylglycerol) fraction of the sebaceous gland lipid at a greater rate than palmitic and oleic acids. Its incorporation was much greater when presented as a free acid than when presented either as cholesteryl linoleate or linoleoyl lecithin. However, the ability of cholesteryl ester and phospholipid to make a substantial indirect contribution of linoleic acid to sebum triglyceride synthesis by hydrolytic release of fatty acid was indicated. The association between the observed preferential incorporation of linoleic acid into the sebum triglycerides and the uniquely unsaturated triglycerides found on the skin surface of cattle is discussed.