Pregnancy-associated decrease in lipid peroxidation in rat liver.

A significant decrease in the hepatic malonaldehyde content and lipid peroxidation, induced by ascorbate, NADPH and cumene hydroperoxide, was observed during gestation in the rat. Lipid peroxidation tends to reach normal levels 3 days post partum. While a significant decrease in the lipid peroxidation of hepatic mitochondria was observed with ascorbate and NADPH, that of microsomes was affected by ascorbate and cumene hydroperoxide. The observed decrease in lipid peroxidation during pregnancy seems to be due to lesser phospholipid content, a lower degree of unsaturation in lipids, and an increase in the level of antioxidants.