Metabolism and lipogenic effects of the cyclic monomers of methyl linolenate in the rat

Cyclic fatty acids are absorbed by the rat, partially oxidized to CO2, and a portion of the compound, presumably the ring structure, is excreted in the urine. Studies with uniformly labeled cyclic fatty acids showed that ca. 13‐15% of14CO2 is expired by the animal in 48 hr with peak expiration occurring between 4‐6 hr after ingestion. Approximately 40% of the total radioactivity is found in the urine after 48 hr with about 60% of that being excreted within 12 hr after ingestion. Decreased rates of lipogenesis were observed in livers of animals fed 8% and 10% protein and higher levels of cyclic fatty acids. An increased rate of lipogenesis was observed in adipose tissue of animals fed 10% protein and higher levels of cyclic fatty acids.