Hepatic lipase activity after liver denervation in hypothyroid rats

Hepatic hilar denervation, hepatic vagotomy or sham operation were performed in hypothyroid rats. Activities of hepatic lipase were measured nine days after surgery. Sham operation in itself was associated with a decrease of hepatic lipase activity by about 40% compared with non-operated animals. Both hilar denervation and hepatic vagotomy were associated with increased hepatic lipase activity (40% and 35%, compared with sham-operated animals). Liver contents of norepinephrine were reduced by about 90% after hilar denervation, whereas hepatic vagotomy did not affect norepinephrine levels. No major changes in lipids and lipoproteins were noted.