Blood Lipid Alterations with Development and Fasting in Weddell Seal Pups

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Castellini OPP97-25859 Abstract Lipid metabolism is the primary source of energy in seals and accounts for over ninety percent of the resting metabolic rate of these marine mammals. As a consequence, they have adapted to a high fat marine-based diet, large lipid stores (blubber), a clear reliance on lipid for energy and minimal dependence on carbohydrate metabolism. Beyond the basic requirements of glucose for central nervous system demands, it appears that seals have a variety of metabolic options for utilizing lipid for almost all other requirements. One intriguing aspect of the lipid based metabolism of seals is their ability to fast for extremely long periods. Even the pups of some species, such as elephant seals, can go without good or water for several months. This metabolism is driven by lipid stores, but regulation of the process is not understood. Questions exist regarding the transfer of lipids between maternal blubber stores, the milk and the pups. The distribution in time and location of various types of lipid compounds in seals is not known. This project will analyze a unique set of archived samples of Weddell seal blood with the aim of elucidating some of the questions relating to the lipid biochemistry of fasting in seals. These samples, collected for other purposes, became critical through analysis of the biochemical parameters associated with weaning and long duration fasting in seal pups. Collaboration between Drs. Castellini and Rea and Dr. Rene Groscolas in France will lead to a better understanding of lipid metabolism in these Antarctic seals.