Copper deficiency-induced changes in the fatty acid composition of mitochondrial and microsomal membranes of rat liver

The effects of copper deficiency on the fatty acid composition of mitochondrial and microsomal phospholipids in rat liver were studied. Copper deficiency was induced by a milk powder diet. To evaluate the effect of the milk diet on the fatty acid pattern of mitochondrial and microsomal phospholipids, one group of rats was fed Cusupplemented powdered milk. A decrease in the relative proportion of linoleic acid and an increase in the level of oleic and docosahexaenoic acids in membrane phospholipids were found in this group. However, no changes in the fatty acid pattern characteristic of essential fatty acid deficiency were observed. Dietary copper deficiency produced a significant decrease in the relative amounts of linoleic and arachidonic acids, as well as an increase in the docosahexaenoic acid content in both mitochondrial and microsomal membranes compared to the nondeficient controls. The disproportionate quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids are discussed with a view to the disturbances of membrane function in copper deficiency.