Short chain acyl-CoA synthetases in ovine rumen epithelium.

The activation of and interactions between physiological concentration of acetate, propionate, and butyrate are reported. A partially purified shortchain acyl-CoA synthetase has been prepared from ovine rumen epithelium and its kinetic properties characterised. These properties suggest the activation of volatile fatty acids by two short-chain acyl-CoA synthetases. One is capable of activating acetateactivating acetate, propionate and butyrate and the other will only accept butyrate as a substrate.