Effect of environmental temperature changes on liver delta 6 and delta 5 fatty acid desaturases depressed by hyperglycidic diet on male rats.

Male rats maintained on a control diet at 24 C and shifted to 12 C for five days showed no modification in delta 6 or delta 5 desaturase activity. When delta 6 and delta 5 desaturase activities were diminished by a hyperglycidic diet, shifting to cold increased both enzymatic activities. In general, modifications observed in liver microsomal fatty acid composition are consistent with those associated with the enzymatic desaturation activity.