Abstract
The subcellular localization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase (DHAPAT) activity in rat small intestine was investigated by Nycodenz-gradient centrifugation. We found that DHAPAT had a predominant peroxisomal distribution, with a separate enzyme activity located in the microsomal fraction, the same distribution as found in rat liver. The effect of feeding rats on a diet with 20% (w/w) partially hydrogenated fish oil (PHFO) or 0.3% clofibrate on the activity of DHAPAT in rat small intestine and liver was studied. Both 20% PHFO and 0.3% clofibrate gave a 1.8-fold stimulation of the specific activities of DHAPAT in peroxisomes of the small intestine, whereas in the liver 20% PHFO gave a 1.4-fold stimulation and 0.3% clofibrate a 1.6-fold stimulation of the total DHAPAT activities in the postnuclear supernatant. The specific activities of DHAPAT in liver were not affected.