Uniform fatty acid mobilization from anatomically distinct fat depots in the sable (Martes zibellina)

The mobilization of fatty acids (FA) is a selective process in humans, rodents and the few previously studied carnivores. The FA composition of and mobilization from different fat depots reflect the functions of adipose tissues, e.g. in energy storage or insulation. Sixteen farm-raised sables (Martes zibellina), a terrestrial mustelid, were assigned into a fed control group or fasted for 4 days. The FA composition of the sable was relatively similar to other previously studied mustelids. The masses of the different fat depots decreased by 28-55% during fasting. The subcutaneous (sc) and intraabdominal (iab) fats had a uniform FA composition and the sable could mobilize both sc and iab FA. 18:3n-3, 18:4n-3 and 16:1n-7 were effectively mobilized, while long-chain saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated FA (MUFA) increased in proportion. Relative mobilization (RM) correlated inversely with the FA chain length and Delta9-desaturation increased RM of several MUFA compared to SFA. The results reinforce the hypothesis that the terrestrial sable can utilize sc and iab fat depots as energy reserves during nutritional scarcity. The natural history of the species is an important determinant of the FA composition and RM between anatomically different fat depots.