Enhanced beta-oxidative utilization of [1-14C]palmitate during active myelinogenesis in developing rat brain under nutritional stress.

Food restriction was found to impair the incorporation of [1-14C]palmitate into myelin membrane lipids of developing rat brain. An attempt was made to determine whether this phenomenon is due to differences in the rate of utilization of the labelled precursor or to its enhanced degradation via beta-oxidative pathways. Undernutrition in pups was imposed by food restriction during gestation and lactation. beta-Oxidation by brain region homogenates using [1-14C]palmitate was monitored at days 7, 14 and 21 of postnatal age. There was a significant increase in beta-oxidation in the brain regions of undernourished pups, with the cerebrum and cerebellum being more affected than the brain stem. Because developing brain possesses the enzymic potential to utilize ketone bodies, the data may indicate increased usage of palmitate as an energy source in the developing brain of undernourished animals.