The distribution of lipoprotein lipase in tissues of the domestic fowl and the effects of feeding and starving

Synopsis

Lipoprotein lipase (E.C. 3.1.1.3) has been detected and assayed in heart muscle and adipose tissue of immature male, immature female and egg laying female domestic fowl. The levels of the enzyme in heart muscle were similar in the three classes of birds studied, but the level of the enzyme in the adipose tissue of immature birds was much higher than in that of laying hens. On starving for 22 h or 72 h the level of the enzyme increased in both heart muscle and adipose tissue of immature males. The enzyme could not be detected in liver tissue or ovary tissue from laying hens. Tissue levels of lipoprotein lipase are not a sensitive index of the state of lipid metabolism in the domestic fowl.

Notes

Present address: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.