Administration of fish oil by gavage increases the activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and citrate synthase in rat lymphoid organs.

1. The effect of administration of fish oil by gavage on key enzyme activities of glucose metabolism of the thymus, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes was investigated. 2. The activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and citrate synthase in the lymphoid organs were markedly raised due to a daily administration of fish oil by gavage (0.4% of body weight). 3. These findings indicate that the therapeutic utilization of fish oil does affect the metabolism of the lymphoid organs, and possibly immune function; however, the mechanism involved remains to be investigated.