Lipogenesis in the brain of thiamine-deficient rat pups.

(1) The effect of thiamine deficiency during pregnancy and lactation on lipogenesis in the brain of rat pups was determined. (2) Acetate incorporation to brain lipids in thiamine-deficient rats in vivo was no less than in pair fed control rats, apart from slightly reduced fatty acid synthesis in the cerebrum. (3) Glucose incorporation to brain lipids in vivo was considerably reduced in thiamine-deficient pups. (4) The inducible NADP dependent malic enzyme activity was increased in thiamine-deficient pup brains. (5) The synthesis of acetyl-CoA appears to be the rate limiting step in lipogenesis in thiamine-deficient pup brains.