title: Function of the liver and hepatic lipids of the lesser sand shark, Rhinobatos annulatus (Müller & Henle).
abstract: Seasonal variation recorded in the hepatosomatic index for sand sharks, Rhinobatos annulatus, was primarily due to accumulation of hepatic lipids. The contribution of liver lipids to the formation of egg yolk was estimated and found to be secondary to lipid reserves for metabolic functions. Maximum liver lipid content in mature sand sharks coincided with peak breeding activities. Hepatic lipids and their derivatives are an important fuel for muscle and thus needed for migration which occurred soon after parturition and mating. Liver colour was in synchrony with the variation in the total liver lipid content in both sexes of sand sharks.
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008055:Lipids / Q000502:physiology*; D008099:Liver / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010063:Ovum / Q000032:analysis; D012098:Reproduction; D012621:Seasons; D012754:Sharks / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids