Early effects of spaying on plasma and liver phospholipid concentrations in rats

Effect of spaying on liver and plasma phospholipid components was studied in 4-day cyclic rats (Haffkin Institute Strain). Rats were ovariectomized during diestrous stage of estrous cycle. Ovariectomy (OVX) was shown to increase the total phospholipid content in both the liver lobes after 24 hr interval, it remained higher in spigelian lobe up to 72 hr but it was lowered in the right lobe at 48 hr interval. Concentration of sphingomyelin (SHP) in total phospholipids, as assessed by TLC, was slightly increased in both lobes after 48 hr of spaying. It declined significantly by 72 hr only in the spigelian lobe. Phosphotidylcholin, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine concentrations showed fluctuating pattern up to 48 hr of spaying, but most of these changes were seen to be restored to the normal level by 72 hr interval. Results indicate that the relative lack of ovarian hormones due to ovariectomy have obvious influence on hepatic lipid metabolism particularly that of phospholipid components. There appears to be an inverse relationship between hepatic lipid components and blood plasma. Spigelian lobe exhibits distinctly different responses to ovariectomy as compared to those of the right lobe. Maximal alterations are observable by 48 hr post-OVX interval.