Lipid Absorption and Transport in Ruminants

¹ Equipe de Recherches Métabolismes Energétique et Lipidique, Laboratoire Croissance et Métabolismes des Herbivores, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Centre de Recherches de Clermont-Ferrand-Theix, 63122 Saint-Genes-Champanelle, France

The objective of this paper is to review new insights on the biological mechanisms of absorption and transport of lipid in ruminants, especially the modem concepts and analytical methods used in studies on structural properties and intravascular and tissue metabolism of lipoproteins and their factors of variation. The intestinal absorption of lipids (including long-chain fatty acids) is detailed, and variations in the qualitative and the quantitative aspects of absorption with diet composition, especially for high fat diets, are presented. Also, structural properties and distribution characteristics of lipoprotein classes in different lymphatic and blood vessels are compared across several animal species. Physicochemical and hydrodynamic properties of the lipoprotein particles and their apolipoprotein moieties are given for the main classes of lipoproteins. Finally, lipoprotein metabolism is discussed in relation to development and physiological, nutritional, and hormonal status. Intravascular metabolism of lipoproteins, including the role of lipolytic enzymes and lipid transfer proteins, is presented. Characteristics of the intestinal and hepatic synthesis of lipoproteins and apolipoprotein fractions are compared, especially through experiments stimulating the hepatic secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Different methods of measurement of lipoprotein tissue uptake or secretion in ruminants are discussed.

Key Words: lipids • intestinal absorption • lipoprotein metabolism • nutritional and • physiological status

Submitted on June 23, 1992
Accepted on November 13, 1992

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