Relationship of Ketone Body Metabolism and Carbohydrate Utilization to Fat Mobilization in the Ruminant

Abstract

A significant decrease in plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) level occurred during intravenous administration of sodium β-hydroxybutyrate to goats previously fasted or fasted and phlorizinized. No significant change in plasma glucose concentration was observed during the infusion in either metabolic state. A depression in plasma NEFA level of lower magnitude was also noted during infusion of β-hydroxybutyrate to alloxan-diabetic goats. A direct feedback effect of ketone bodies on fat mobilization is implicated, although the presence of insulin may be necessary for maximum suppression of NEFA release. © 1966, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.