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Lymphatic absorption of plasmalogen in rats
Hiroshi Hara1, Takuya Wakisaka, Yoritaka Aoyama
1Division of Applied Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Kita-9, Nishi-9, Kitaku, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan. hara@chem.agr.hokudai.ac.jp
The British Journal of Nutrition
|July 8, 2003
Summary
This study shows that plasmalogen, a vital phospholipid, is absorbed into the lymph after duodenal infusion in rats. This lymphatic absorption of plasmalogen is a significant finding for understanding lipid metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Plasmalogens are a significant subclass of phospholipids found in humans and animals.
- While proposed physiological roles exist, intestinal absorption of plasmalogen remains uninvestigated.
- Understanding plasmalogen absorption is crucial for comprehending its biological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the lymphatic absorption of plasmalogen following duodenal administration.
- To quantify the amount of plasmalogen absorbed into the lymph.
- To determine if plasmalogen degrades into long-chain fatty aldehydes during intestinal absorption.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were used, with cannulas implanted in the mesenteric lymph duct and duodenum.
- Emulsified brain phospholipids (BPL) containing plasmalogen and soyabean lecithin (SPL) were infused duodenally.
- Lymphatic plasmalogen output was measured over time using a Bollman-type restraining cage.
Main Results:
- Duodenal infusion of BPL significantly increased lymphatic plasmalogen output between 2-6 hours.
- Soyabean lecithin (SPL) infusion did not result in increased lymphatic plasmalogen.
- Lymphatic recovery represented 0.22% of the total plasmalogen absorbed from the intestine, with no detected increase in degradation products.
Conclusions:
- A small but significant amount of dietary plasmalogen is absorbed intact into the lymph.
- The study provides the first evidence for the lymphatic absorption of plasmalogen.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and physiological implications of plasmalogen lymphatic transport.