Characterization of very-low density lipoprotein particle diameter dynamics in relation to egg production in a passerine bird

• DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02724
• Publication Date: 2007-03-03T01:30:45Z
• Authors: Katrina G. Salvante; Gina Lin; Rosemary L. Walzem; Tony D. Williams
• Keywords: Taeniopygia; Yolk; Particle (ecology)

SUMMARY During avian egg production, oestrogen mediates marked increases in hepatic lipid production and changes the diameter of assembled very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL). A nearly complete shift from generic VLDL (∼70 nm diameter), which transports lipids to peripheral tissues, yolk-targeted (VLDLy) (∼30 nm), supplies yolk with energy-rich lipid, has been observed plasma laying domestic fowl. We validated an established dynamic laser scattering technique for a passerine songbird Taeniopygia guttata, zebra finch, characterize dynamics particle distribution relation production. predicted that non-gallinaceous species have not selected maximum would exhibit less dramatic shifts metabolism during As predicted, there was considerable overlap between distributions non-laying finches. But unexpectedly, finches had peaked at small particles relatively few large particles. result, finches, comparison, were shifted towards larger Nevertheless,laying like chickens, proportions within proposed VLDLy ranges than (e.g. sVLDLy: 50% vs 37%). Furthermore, chickens similar modal (29.7 both species) median (32.7 29.6 nm) diameters Therefore,although exhibited opposing directional modifications structure resulted realization common goal, i.e. produce maintain proportion specific are capable being incorporated into newly forming yolks.)