Alterations of rat hepatic cholesterogenesis by heterologous lipoproteins

Heterologous human lipoproteins were infused into rats in order to change acutely the lipoprotein pattern to a predominant kind and the effect on hepatic cholesterogenesis was subsequently observed. A 4-h intravenous infusion of human low density and very low density lipoproteins into rats produced a significant decrease in the incorporation of acetate into cholesterol in both liver slices and homogenates. An infusion of similar concentrations of human high density lipoprotein produced a significant increase in hepatic cholesterol synthesis. These infusions did not change mevalonate conversion to cholesterol in either the homogenates or slices. Concomitant with the changes in hepatic cholesterol synthesis were changes of similar magnitudes in the activity of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. These alterations in hepatic cholesterol synthesis were associated with significant changes in microsomal cholesterol content. There was a significant increase in hepatic cholesterol synthesis with the infusion of apoproteins of high density lipoprotein. The apoproteins of very low density lipoprotein had no effect on hepatic cholesterogenesis. These studies indicate that circulating lipoproteins modify hepatic cholesterol synthesis and that the apoproteins of these lipoproteins may themselves be important for this action.