Distribution of neutral lipids in the tissues of the oysterCrassostrea virginica

The content of neutral lipids was determined in the tissues of oysters (Crassostrea virginica Gmelin) collected in June, July and March. The lipid content of starved March oysters was also determined. Oyster tissue from the June harvest contained the highest quantities of triglyceride; starved and July (late spawning) oysters had decreased levels of triglycerides in all tissues except the digestive diverticula/gonad. Free sterol content of all the tissues averaged 1.21 mg equivalent cholesterol/g wet weight tissue, and the steryl ester concentration averaged about 10% of this value. Findings of this investigation indicate that the triglyceride content of oyster tissue fluctuates seasonally and is there‐fore keyed to the physiological state of the animal. Furthermore, triglycerides may be an important energy reserve for reproductive tissue.