[Lipid peroxidation response in the liver and lungs of rats during prolonged cold adaptation]

Prolonged cold adaptation in rats (+4-6 degrees C) is associated with phasic changes in lipid peroxidation. On the 7th day the quantity of liquid peroxidation products in the liver and lungs and the ability of liver lipids to take part in the ascorbate-dependent peroxidation were increased. Meanwhile the antioxidant activity of lipids was decreased. On the 30th and 49th days there was no difference in the data obtained. This evidenced the formation of adaptation which was characterized by an essential rise in the antioxidant activity of liver lipids, by their decreased ability to get oxidized in the presence of ascorbate and iron, by a reduced amount in the liver and lungs of the peroxidation products (control levels). Activation of lipid peroxidation is considered as a necessary prerequisite for the formation of the specialized adaptation mechanisms.