초록
Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA), a $\omega$3 series fatty acid and arachidonic acid(AA). a $\omega$6 series fatty acid were found in relatively high concentrations in the phospholipids(PLs) of cell membranes of nerve tissues, and they can be affected by various factors. The present study examined the effects of dietary $\omega$6 and $\omega$3 fatty acid composition on P/M/S and on $\omega$3/$\omega$6 fatty acid ratios in brain PLs of 2nd generation rats. The expeimental diets consisted of 10% fat(by wt), which were computer- searched mixed oil('M') with P/M/S ratio, 1 : 1.4 : 1 and $\omega$6/$\omega$3 ratio, 6 : 1 and safflower oil('S') poor in $\omega$3 fatty acids. The experimental diets were started 3-4 wks prior to conception. During the lactation period, the feeding mothers were switched 1 wk after birth and provided the pups for 2 wks with milk which had compositions different from that of their natural mother. The same diet as their mothers was provided from weaning to 9 wks of age. The 'M'and 'S' rats were again subdivided into MM, MS, SS, SM rats according to diet which their lactating mothers were fed from the begining of the experiment. The relative percentage of P/M/S fatty acids in brain PLs in all experimental groups converged to a very similar value at 9 wks of age, indicating the existence of a control mechanism for the degree of fatty acids, unsaturation. The $\omega$3/$\omega$6 fatty acid ratios of brain PLs converged to about 1.0 in MM & SM groups and to 0.7 in SS & MS groups, suggesting also the existence of some balance between $\omega$3 and $\omega$6 fatty acids in developing rat brain. The concentrations of $\omega$3 fatty acids, especially DHA, in the SM group were increased and became similar to those in MM group at 9 wks of age. The increase in DHA of brain PLs was counterbalanced b)r a decrease in 22 5$\omega$6. Therefore, the ratios of 22 : 6$\omega$6/22 : 5$\omega$6 were higher in both MM & SM groups than those of SS & MS groups at 9 wak of age. Although dietary $\omega$3 and $\omega$6 fatty acids affected 22 : 6$\omega$S and 22 : 5$\omega$6 contained in rat brain PLs reciprocally, the relative percentage of AA did not appear to be significantly influenced by the diet in all groups at 9 wks of age, suggesting that a mechanism for the maintenance of a certain level of AA in brain PLs exists. In conclusion, the $\omega$3/$\omega$6 fatty acid and 22 : 6$\omega$3/22 : 5$\omega$6 ratios, but not P/M/S ratio, of rat brain PLs were affected by the postnatal dietary changes. Futher studies are required to clarify the mechanism(S) of ensuring a certain level of DHA and of maintaining a similar level of AA in rat brain PLs after. weaning(9 wk) regardless of prenatal and postnatal dietary changes. (Korean J Nutrition 31(5) : 897-905, 1998)