Lipid Changes in the Chick Hatching Muscle 1

Abstract

Summary

GLC analyses of the hatching muscle of the developing fetal chick revealed that both hatching muscle and shank muscle had similar compositions of total fatty acids, although shank muscle was richer by 50% in total lipids. There was a loss of total lipids during the hatching period in both muscles the relative loss being greater in hatching muscle. Analysis of lipid constituents on TLC using a densitometric assay procedure demonstrated the larger decrease specifically of triglycerides in the hatching muscle during this period. The participation of lipids in the contraction of the hatching muscle of the chick embryo at the time of pipping is suggested.

The authors wish to thank Mr. Carl Rosenberg (American Heart Association, Summer Student) for his competent assistance. The valuable discussions of Professor Hermann Schlenk and his associates at the Hormel Institute are very much appreciated.