Unesterified Fatty Acids and Lipid Transport in Dogs. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Plasma neutral fats and unesterified fatty acids were investigated in different conditions of increased lipid transport in the dog. During fat absorption, in addition to the increase in neutral fats, unesterified fatty acid also increases. Heparin and protamine influence both transport mechanisms in the post absorptive state, the former increasing the unesterified fatty acids and decreasing the esterified fatty acids: the latter opposing this effect. Starvation for from 48 to 72 hours and acute CCl₄ poisoning raise the unesterified fatty-acid level markedly. The results indicate the metabolic importance of unesterified fatty acids in lipid transport and the possible role of clearing factor in regulating lipid metabolism.