title: Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the alpha-linolenic series on the development of rat testicles.
abstract: The effect of 22:6 omega 3 acid provided by dietary fish oil on the development of germinal tissue of rat testes, fatty acid composition of lipids, and linoleic or alpha-linolenic acid delta 6 desaturation capacity was investigated. Results were compared to those obtained in animals fed methyl palmitate and sunflower seed oil (linoleate). At 7 and 9 weeks of age, development of germinal tissue of animals fed fish oil was normal. The fatty acid composition showed a decrease in 22:5 omega 6 acid content and an increase in 22:6 omega 3 acid in triacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine. The fatty acid delta 6 desaturation capacity of testicules microsomes was increased. It is suggested that 22:6 omega 3 acid may functionally replace 22:5 omega 6 acid in germinal tissue.
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000378:metabolism*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D008042:Linolenic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D005227:Fatty Acids; D008042:Linolenic Acids