LIPID-METABOLISM OF GOLDFISH, CARASSIUS-AURATUS (L) DURING NORMOXIA AND ANOXIA - INDICATIONS FOR FATTY-ACID CHAIN ELONGATION

Goldfish acclimated to 20 degrees C and air-saturation levels of about 80%, were subjected to a period of 14 hr anoxia. Fatty acid patterns of FFA, TG, and PL were determined in plasma, red muscle and peritonea l adipose tissue. After 14 hr anoxia,the FFA content of both the red m uscle and plasma were decreased by 50%, probably as a result of suppre ssion of lipolytic activity. Anoxia induced major changes in the relat ive FFA-pattern of both red muscle and plasma. Decreases were observed for 16:0, 16:1 (n-7), 18:0, 18:1 (n-9), and 18:2(n-6). Increases were observed for 20:0, 20:1 (n-9), 20:3 (n-6), and 22:1 (n-11/n-9). Anoxi a induced significant changes in the Sigma(C18)/Sigma(C20) and C18:1/C 20:1 ratios. The fatty acid patterns of the phospholipids and triglyce rids were not significantly changed by anoxia. Although the quantitati ve importance could not be established, the present results are indica tive for the presence of fatty acid chain elongation in anoxic goldfis h starting preferentially with 18-carbon fatty acids.