Fatty acid oxidation in liver

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Abstract
A micromethod for the estimation of fatty acids by distillation and oxidation with dichromate is described. The action of liver slices on normal fatty acids with 1-8 C atoms was studied. The rates of disappearance ([long dash]Q) of the different acids were: formic 1.5; acetic, 5; propionic, 2; butyric, 9; valeric, 2; hexanoic, 6; heptanoic, 3; octanoic, 6. Glycolic and oxalic acids were not intermediaries in acetic acid disappearance. The ketonic acids formed accounted for only about 20% of the acetic acid consumed. Butyric acid was almost completely (80-90%) oxidized in the [beta]-position. Hexanoic and heptanoic acids also followed classical [beta]-oxidation. Where octanoic acid was oxidized, a part appeared to give 2 mol. of ketonic acid and another part 2 mol. of acetic and 1 mol. of ketonic acid. Acetic acid was identified by the lanthanum reaction. Butyric acid oxidation could be obtained in a cell-free liver "brei." This prep. was rapidly inactivated, especially under anaerobic conditions. C4 dicarboxylic acids exerted an activating action on the "brei." They decreased the amt. of total ketonic acids formed and increased the reduction of acetoacetic acid.

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