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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Measurement of Fatty Acid β-Oxidation in a Suspension of Freshly Isolated Mouse Hepatocytes
Published on: September 9, 2021
Mitochondrial enzymes responsible for oxidizing medium-chain fatty acids in developing rat skeletal muscle, heart,
B S McGuire1, J E Carroll, V F Chancey
1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA.
Abstract:
Prior to weaning, medium-chain fatty acids constitute an important energy source in the developing rat. Fatty acid oxidation rates increase with age in most developing tissues, but the pattern of this increase may vary according to the role of the particular organ. In skeletal muscle, heart, and liver of developing rats, we measured mitochondrial activities of long- and short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and long- and short-chain acyl-CoA thiolase. In skeletal muscle, the pattern of development in fatty acid oxidation enzymes favored utilization of long-chain rather than medium-chain fatty acids. In liver, enzyme activities for medium-chain fatty acids were highest prior to weaning. Heart occupied a position intermediate between skeletal muscle and liver.
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