Fatty acid synthesis in vivo in maternal and fetal tissues in the rat

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Abstract
Fatty acid synthesis in vivo was studied in maternal and fetal tissues of the rat on the 16th and 20th days of gestation. Relative rates of total fatty acid synthesis were estimated from the incorporation of H3 from H3 2O into fatty acids at 1, 2, and 4 hr. Fatty acid synthesis in maternal tissues (adipose tissue, carcass, and liver) was greater on the 16th than on the 20th day of pregnancy, whereas that in fetal tissues (carcass, liver, and brain) was greater on the 20th day. Fasting for 2 days reduced synthesis in maternal tissues relatively more than that in the fetal liver and carcass; fasting aid not affect the fetal brain. "Total" pancreatectomy in fasting pregnant rats markedly depressed fatty acid synthesis in the fetal carcass and liver even though it had no effect in addition to that of fasting on synthesis in the maternal tissues.