In Vivo Cholesterol and Fatty Acid Synthesis in the Pig Intestine 1

Abstract

Summary

The results of these studies show that in the pig the intestine contributes only about 4% to cholesterol synthesis from acetate-1-¹⁴C while liver and adipose tissue contribute 67 and 29%, respectively. Each of the proximal three segments of the intestine contributed more to cholesterol synthesis than did the distal segment. Fatty acids were synthesized primarily in the adipose tissue of the pig when pyruvate-3-¹⁴C was the substrate while the intestine and liver together contributed only about 9% to overall fatty acid synthesis. Fatty acid synthesis from acetate-1-¹⁴C in pig intestine was of minor importance when compared with liver or adipose tissue fatty acid synthesis.