METABOLISM OF TRIACETIN-DERIVED ACETATE IN DOGS

Triacetin is a water-soluble triglyceride that may have a role as a pa renteral nutrient. In the present study triacetin was administered int ravenously to mongrel dogs (n = 10) 2 wk after surgical placement of b lood-sampling catheters in the aorta and in the portal, hepatic, renal , and femoral veins. [1-C-14]Acetate was infused to allow quantificati on of organ uptake of acetate as well as systemic turnover and oxidati on. Systemic acetate turnover accounted for almost-equal-to 70% of tri acetin-derived acetate, assuming complete hydrolysis of the triglyceri de. Approximately 80% of systemic acetate uptake was rapidly oxidized. Significant acetate uptake was demonstrated in all tissues (liver, 55 9 +/- 68; intestine, 342 +/- 23; hindlimb, 89 +/- 7; and kidney, 330 /- 37 mumol/min). In conclusion, during intravenous administration in dogs, the majority of infused triacetin undergoes intravascular hydrol ysis, and the majority of the resulting acetate is oxidized. Thus, ene rgy in the form of short-chain fatty acids can be delivered to a resti ng gut via intravenous infusion of a short-chain triglyceride.