Changes in rat liver mitochondrial lipids in vitamin A deficiency.

ABSTRACT

The alterations in the lipid profiles of rat liver mitochondria due to vita min A deficiency were studied. The amount of total lipids and phospholipids were decreased with a concomitant increase in triglycerides and cholesterol levels in mito chondria, isolated from vitamin Α deficient animals. Of particular significance was the observation that the content of lysolecithin, a potent cytolytic agent, was increased. An analysis of individual fatty acids showed that the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids was decreased significantly in vitamin A deficiency. Further, mitochondria from vitamin Α deficient animals, when incubated in 0.1 Μ Tris HCl buffer (pH 7.4) in vitro, produced increased amounts of malondialdehyde and lipofuchsin pigments indicating increased susceptibility of the mitochondrial membrane to peroxidative damage. These results suggest a possible role of vitamin A in the prevention of the decomposition of structural lipids.