Developmental changes in the fatty acids of synaptic membrane phospholipids: effect of protein malnutrition.

The acyl-linked fatty acid composition of the major phospholipid species in rat cortical synaptic membranes was determined at various stages of development. For most species there was a decrease during development in the short chain saturated fatty acids, 14:0 and 16:0, an increase in 18:0 and 22:6 (n-3) and an increase in ratio of 22:6 (n-3)/22:5 (n-6). Pups were protein deprived by feeding the dams a 12% casein diet as compared to the 24% casein control diet. Protein malnutrition markedly affected the composition of acyl-linked fatty acids in the synaptic membranes. The increases in the ratio of 22:6 (n-3)/22:5 (n-6) fatty acids were especially compromised.