CHANGES IN THE FATTY-ACID COMPOSITION OF STORED ERYTHROCYTES FROM SHEEP OF DIFFERENT AGES

This study examined the profile in sheep erythrocyte fatty acids from animals of different ages during storage at 4 degrees C in a nutritive medium for up to 6 days. The changes found in the fatty acyl profile were a decrease (P<0.01) in the percentage of arachidonic acid and an increase (P<0.01) in the percentage of minor fatty acids (representing < 2% in each case; 20:2, 22:0 and 22:1) with respect to fresh erythrocytes in all age groups. However, the saturated/unsaturated ratios and unsaturated index started almost constant in all cases. The changes observed occurred after 24-48 h of storage, with significant increases (P<0.01) in the fluorescence detected in the lipid extracts from stored erythrocytes during this period. The above findings suggest peroxidative damage and changes in the erythrocyte lipid membrane during storage.