A unique lipid pattern associated with the gall bladder bile of the chick embryo

A study has been made of the lipid and fatty acid composition of the gall bladder bile of the chick embryo during the last week of incubation. The lipids and their fatty acid composition showed a unique pattern when compared to other animal species. Of the total lipid present, phospholipid accounted for less than half, and there were substantial proportions of both cholesteryl ester and triglyceride. In the cholesteryl ester, the proportion of which increased significantly over the last week of incubation, there was a very high level of oleic acid. The phospholipid contained a high level of arachidonic acid. The results are discussed in relation to observations on the biliary lipids of other animal species and the major features of the lipid metabolism of the chick embryo during the last week of incubation.