The long-term stability of triglyceride molecules in adipose tissue.

Abstract

The extent to which triglycerides stored in adipose tissue undergo hydrolysis and re-esterification was investigated. A group of rats was fed a series of oils of widely different fatty acid compositions. The triglycerides of adipose tissue were then separated according to their degree of unsaturation by chromatography on silicic acid impregnated with silver nitrate. By this procedure, it was possible to detect triglycerides that could have been formed only by inter-esterification of the different dietary fats in adipose depots. Little interesterification occurred during a 9-week period. It is concluded that most triglyceride molecules in adipose depots are stored intact intil mobilized. Triglycerides containing short-chain saturated acids (lauric and myristic) were mobilized more rapidly from adipose tissue than were glycerides containing long-chain saturated acids.