Lipid Composition and Synthesis in Rat Liver During Pregnancy and the Puerperium.

Summary The composition and incorporation of acetate-1-C14 into liver lipids of non-pregnant, pregnant, and puerperal rats were determined. Results show that total cholesterol and phospholipid phosphorus in rat liver during pregnancy and the puerperium do not differ from those found in non-pregnant animals. However, the triglycerides from livers of puerperal animals were significantly higher than those found in either non-pregnant or pregnant rats. Incorporation of acetate-1-C14 into fatty acids and unsaponifiable substances by liver slices from pregnant rats was significantly greater than that observed for non-pregnant and puerperal rats. No differences were observed in the μmoles of acetate incorporated into the fatty acids of triglycerides and phospholipids. Possible factors related to the puerperal increase of triglycerides in the liver are discussed.