[Effect of starvation on lipid peroxidation and fatty acid composition in the blood of young and old rats].

After starvation during 48 hrs there was no alteration in blood serum of young rats (4-5 months old) in content of malonic dialdehyde but it was decreased in the old animals (24-26 months old). At the same time, the fatty acid composition of blood serum similarly altered in the both experimental groups. There was an increase in content of saturated fatty acids and a decrease in content of unsaturated fatty acids. Total amount of free fatty acids was increased in young starved rats and unaltered in old animals. Effect of starvation on the body antioxidant system is discussed.