EXPRESSION OF FATTY-ACID-BINDING PROTEIN IN THE LIVER DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION IN THE RAT

Expression of the liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) has been s tudied in the liver of pregnant and lactating rats. The L-FABP concent ration found in the cytosol by immuno-enzymatic assay (ELISA) was cons istently higher in the dams during the pregnancy and the lactation tha n in the age-matched virgin females. Paradoxically, a decrease in the L-FABP mRNA level occurred in the maternal liver during the last days of the gestation, This level remained low on days 7 and 14 of the lact ation. Since the transcription rate of the L-FABP gene was unchanged i n the maternal liver, these data suggest a post-transcriptional regula tion of the L-FABP during pregnancy and lactation in the rat. The nutr itional adaptations occurring during pregnancy and lactation are not i nvolved in this regulation since a chronic maternal food-restriction f ailed to correct these modifications. The mechanism of this regulation is presently unknown, but possibilities include hormonally mediated e ffects.