Effect of gelatin infusions on blood serum lipid pattern

The effect of gelatin infusions in rat on the various serum lipid constituents was studied by measuring the mean values of total lipids, lipoprotein lipase, triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids, and lipoproteins. These measurements were made immediately following a single intravenous infusion of gelatin solution (1 ml/100 g body wt) and at different time intervals post-infusion. Repeated intravenous infusions of gelatin were also given to another group of rats and the above mentioned lipid constituents were measured 24 h after each dose. The results obtained showed that gelatin infusions have a definite hypolipemic effect. There was a significant reduction in the levels of total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and B + preB/alpha ratios immediately following infusion and at 5, 24 and 48 h postinfusion. This reduction was transient and the values were gradually normalized at the end of the first week postinfusion. In rats receiving repeated i.v. infusions, the results obtained showed a significant decrease in the same lipid constituents during the whole month of gelatin administration. Values of lipoprotein lipase, lipid phosphorous and non-esterified fatty acids showed insignificant changes from baseline values at all time intervals following single and repeated i.v. infusions of gelatin solution.