Impact of early nutrition on later development of spontaneous physical activity and lipid metabolism.

Male rats suckled in large litters (more than 12 pups, group A) had significantly higher levels of spontaneous physical activity and temporarily increased food intake (g/100 g body weight) than male rats from small litters (less than 6 pups, group B). Females did not differ. Epididymal fat pads were significantly lighter in males in group A. The concentration of total lipids in the small intestine was significantly higher in females from group A, and the synthesis of lipids was higher in the animals of both sexes from group A. The synthesis of fatty acids in the intestines was significantly greater in both males and females from group A. Cholesterol concentration in the liver and carcass was the same in all groups. Cholesterogenesis was higher in the liver only in males from group B, and in the carcass in the animals of both sexes from group B.