Microsomal phospholipid pattern and liver ultrastructure of aging rats following treatment with essential phospholipids

: The treatment of aging rats with 100 or 300 mg/kg "essential" phospholipids (EPL) for 10 weeks significantly changed the microsomal concentration of phosphatidyl serine plus phosphatidyl inositol. The most marked alterations of the phospholipid fatty acid pattern predominantly observed with unsaturated fatty acids were detectable even 7 days after cessation of EPL application. Ultrastructurally, an enrichment in the hepatocytes with rough endoplasmic reticulum was visible which was more prominent in acinus zone 3. The changes after EPL administration are regarded as the expression of an increased membrane fluidity.