Abstract
1. Plasma lipids were investigated to determine whether they influence the biological activities of specific coagulation proteins Factors V, VII and X.
2. Factor activities decreased when lipids were depleted from the plasma of Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) and Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome-susceptible (FLHS) laying hens.
3. Addition of lipids removed from SCWL laying hens and FLHS-susceptible laying hens into lipid-depleted plasma of both bird strains caused an increase and decrease, respectively, in Factors V and X activities.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids were negatively correlated to Factors V, VII and X activities. When bird strain was considered, it was significant for Factor X in SCWL laying hens. Omega-6 fatty acids were positively correlated with Factors VII and X for FLHS-susceptible laying hens.
5. The results suggest that the type of fatty acid in plasma phospholipids influences the activities of Factors V, VII and X and by altering lipid composition in the plasma, activities of coagulation factors may be affected.
Acknowledgements
The authors appreciated technical assistance from Yanping Lou and Barbara Jefferson and statistical assistance from William C. Sears. This study was financially supported by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Poultry Industry Council.