Monoacylglycerol acylation and deacylation in rat small intestinal epithelial cells

Acylation and deacylation of monoacylglycerols in rat small intestinal cells play a role in the intestinal absorption of dietary triacylglycerols. One of the first steps in this absorption process is the breakdown of the ingested material inside the intestinal lumen. Triacylglycerols are partially hydrolyzed by the action of pancreatic lipase, resulting in the formation of rnonoacylglycerols and fatty acids. These reaction products then are taken up by the epithelial cells, which cover the villi of the intestine. Inside these cells triacylglycerols are resynthesized from absorbed materials in energy requiring processes. Finally, the triacylglycerols are surrounded with phospholipids and protein during the formation of chylomicrons, which are released into the chyle for transport.