Transmucosal triglyceride transport rates in proximal and distal rat intestine in vivo.

Transmucosal transport rates for triolein in proximal and distal intestine were compared in unanesthetized rats. Emulsified [1-14-C] triolein together with bile and pancreatic juice from donor rats was infused for 6 hr into either the duodenum or the midpoint of the small intestine at such a rate that absorption was essentially complete in both regions of the intestine. Lymph was collected from the thoracic duct during triolein infusion and for an additional 6-hr period. The decrease in the rate of lymphatic output of labeled fat was found to follow a simple exponential function in all animals. This rate of decrease (decay rate) was used to calculate the half-times of lipid turnover through the intestinal wall and the fractional output rates. Distal intestine transported lipid 40% more slowly than proximal intestine, and the difference was associated with a greater accumulation of triglyceride in the distal intestinal wall. Chylomicron synthesis and/or release is the rate-limiting step for distal lymphatic fat transport in vivo, whereas fat uptake from the lumen is rate limiting for proximal intestine.     

Reproductive periodicity of the sparid,Acanthopagrus pacificus,on a hierarchy of temporal scales

The reproductive periodicity of the sparid, Acanthopagrus pacificus, over four temporal scales is described. Acanthopagrus pacificus had a short spawning season between June and September, and within this, a peak reproductive period from July to early September. During the peak period there were several spawning peaks corresponding to a lunar periodicity, with intense reproductive activity on new and full moons that peaked during the period of the full moon when the tidal range was greatest. At the smallest temporal scale, spawning occurred at night on ebb tides. Because this study draws on data collected in 1991 and 1995, it provides a useful baseline against which to judge future changes in reproductive periodicity.