THE LIPID COMPONENTS OF THE LYMPH OF THE THORACIC DUCT OF THE DOG

Abstract

Lymph was collected from the thoracic duct and blood from the femoral artery and portal vein of dogs anesthetized with Na amytal The lipid content and the relative proportions of free and total cholesterol were constant in the postabsorptive state. After feeding fat, there was a great increase of total fatty acids, a moderate one of lipid P and a marked rise of total cholesterol (free and cholesterol esters). It is concluded that cholesterol aids in the absorption of fatty acids. The portal vein does not appear to carry absorbed fatty acids from the intestine to the liver during digestion. Adrenalin injections do not change the total fatty acid content of the thoracic lymph but raise the glucose and lactic acid.