Different changes of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in adipose tissue from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive rats after diets supplemented with linolenic or eicosapentaenoic acids.

In spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive rats of the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Wistar-Schönwalde (WSCHOE) strain, diets supplemented with n-3 fatty acids of different chain length (alpha-linolenic acid, LNA--C 18:3, n-3 with linseed oil and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA--C 20:5, n-3 with cod liver oil) were fed over a period of 22 weeks. After the LNA-rich diet, among the long-chain n-3 fatty acids EPA in epididymal adipose tissue remained unchanged, whereas docosapentaenoic (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) fell. The n-6 fatty acids linoleic (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) both appeared decreased. After the EPA-rich diet, all n-3 fatty acids, i.e. not only EPA, DPA and DHA, but also LNA were augmented when compared with controls fed commercially available pellets. Among the n-6 fatty acids LA was extremely depressed, whereas AA appeared increased. The p/s-ratio was elevated after the LNA-rich diet, but decreased after the EPA-rich diet. The data indicate a differential effect of dietary n-3 fatty acids of different chain length on the supply of other n-3 fatty acids, of LA and AA as well as on the p/s-ratio in adipose tissue of rats. Blood pressure was not influenced by either diet in either SHR or in both normotensive strains of rats.