Brady
1) and Numa
2) demonstrated decreased synthesis of long chain fatty acids from
14C-acetate in the liver of diabetic rats. Using alloxan diabetes rats, we have already shown that expiration of
14CO
2 following administration of
14C-acetate was normal in spite of diminished incorporation of
14C into liver fatty acids. When
14C-palmitate was used, expiratory
14CO
2 was decreased in the face of increased
14C in liver fatty acids
3). These findings led us to an assumption that both synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids are decreased in diabetes mellitus. However, these results were not sufficient to fully explain the aberrant lipid metabolism in diabetes. The present investigation was, therefore, undertaken to study the aspect of mobilization or transfer of fatty acids and the influence of vitamins in this disease.
View full abstract