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A study of the hepatic lipids during chick embryo development. Effect of triiodothyronine
A Gomez-Muñoz1, C Rodriguez-Fernandez
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain.
Insights
Hepatic lipid levels, including phospholipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides, increase during chick embryonic development, particularly from day 17 to 20. The thyroid hormone 3-3’-5-Triiodothyronine (T3) specifically boosts triglyceride synthesis in late-stage embryos.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
- Avian Physiology
Background:
- Hepatic lipid metabolism is crucial for embryonic development.
- Understanding lipid changes during chick embryogenesis provides insights into developmental processes.
- The role of thyroid hormones in avian lipid metabolism requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in hepatic phospholipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides during chick embryonic development.
- To determine the effect of 3-3'-5-Triiodothyronine (T3) on hepatic lipid content in chick embryos and newly hatched chicks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of hepatic lipid fractions (phospholipids, cholesterol, triglycerides) at different embryonic stages (14, 17, 20 days) and in newborn chicks (21 days).
- Administration of a single dose of 3-3'-5-Triiodothyronine (T3) to assess its impact on hepatic lipid levels.
- Quantification of lipid content using established biochemical assays.
Main Results:
- Total lipid content and lipid fractions significantly increased from day 17 to 20 of incubation, stabilizing until hatching.
- A notable decrease in hepatic triglycerides was observed on the day of hatching (21 days).
- 3-3'-5-Triiodothyronine (T3) administration enhanced hepatic triglyceride biosynthesis specifically on day 20 of embryonic development, with other effects noted in newborn animals.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic lipid accumulation is a key feature of late-stage chick embryonic development.
- The thyroid hormone T3 plays a role in regulating triglyceride synthesis during a critical period of avian development.
- Further research is needed to understand the full implications of these lipid dynamics and hormonal influences in avian development.
Abstract:
The content of hepatic phospholipids, cholesterol and triglycerides was studied in 14, 17 and 20 day old chick embryos and newborn chicks (21 incubation days). An increase in the total lipid content and in the other lipidic fractions throughout embryo development is observed, mainly between 17 and 20 days of incubation, remaining practically constant until the hatchability day. Nevertheless a sharp depletion of triglycerides in broken eggshell day is revealed. Effect of a single dose of 3-3'-5-Triiodothyronine (T3) on hepatic lipid levels was determined. Throughout embryonary period, the hormone only affects triglyceride levels enhancing its biosynthesis in the 20th incubation day. All the other variations are described in newborn animals.