Lipase activities measured at pH 4 and 8 were determined in the placentas of rats subjected to undernutrition or uterine artery ligation. The fetal lipid content following maternal undernutrition was also determined. The placental lipase activity (per gram placenta) measured at pH 8 (placental lipoprotein lipase) remained unchanged, whilst the activity of the intracellular lipase (per gram placenta) measured at pH 4 was significantly less than in the control group (21 % lower in maternal undernutrition and 16 % lower after uterine artery ligation). Although placentas and fetuses were significantly lighter in both situations as compared to controls (well-nourished or sham operated, respectively), fetal lipid content in maternal undernutrition was only reduced to a degree concomitant with the decrease in fetal weight. We therefore conclude that the intracellular lipase may not have an important role in the provision of free fatty acids in undernutrition.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.