Changes in liver microsome lipids and plasma fatty acids induced by dietary orotate in the weanling rat

1. Dietary orotate produced a decrease in total plasma fatty acids which was reflected in low values of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids longer than 18 carbon atoms of the n-6 series. The relative content of saturated fatty acids in microsomes of animals fed orotate was also decreased. 2. Rat liver delta-9 desaturase activity was lower in the group fed orotate. However, delta-6 desaturase activity did not show significant differences between the groups. 3. Microsomal cholesterol content was lower in rats fed orotate than in controls but phospholipid phosphorus contents were similar. These results suggest a direct effect of dietary orotate on the key enzymes which regulates cholesterol liver metabolism.