Observations on the Biochemistry of “Mutton Bird” Oil

Abstract

This oil is obtained from the stomach of petrels (Aestrelata lessoni). It is a fluid wax closely resembling sperm oil and consists of cetyl, oleyl, and allied esters. Mammalian pancreatic lipase slowly splits these, and feeding experiments in rats showed that the oil can be absorbed. Cetyl alcohol alone is not so well absorbed (1 experiment). During or soon after absorption, these higher alcohols disappear. Experiments with surviving intestine failed to throw light on the site of this change. On parenteral administration the oil slowly spread along the lines of the lymphatics and did not appear to undergo any splitting at or near the site of injection. Other experiments on rats confirmed the presence of vitamin-A in varying amount. The oil is assumed to be the secretion of the tail gland accidentally swallowed.