Biosynthesis of Triglyceride and Other Fatty Acyl Esters by Developing Rat Brain

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Abstract
The biosynthesis of triglyceride from 1,2-diglyceride and long-chain acyl CoA was studied in developing rat brain. Diglyceride acyltransferase activity was highest in a microsomal fraction, had a neutral pH optimum, and was stimulated by MgCl2. Palmitoyl CoA and oleoyl CoA served equally well as acyl donors. The enzyme catalyzed the acylation of both endogenous diglyceride, and several naturally occurring and synthetic exogenous diglycerides. Short-chain primary and secondary alcohols were acylated under these conditions. A 2nd acylation system, active at low pH, catalyzed esterification of ethanol and cholesterol, but not diglyceride with free fatty acid. Brain has the capacity to acylate a wide variety of physiological and nonphysiological hydroxyl compounds.