Rapid modulation of rat hepatocyte HMG-CoA reductase activity by cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP

Rat hepatocytes were used to demonstrate rapid, transient effects on the modulation state (defined as the fraction of the enzyme present in the catalytically active form) of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase, E.C. 1.1.1.34). Insulin elevated, while glucagon, cAMP or cGMP lowered HMG-CoA reductase modulation state within 10 to 15 min. These changes were accompanied by a parallel change in sterol synthesis. Total HMG-CoA reductase activity was not altered. Rapid modulation of HMG-CoA reductase activity therefore constitutes a viable in vivo control mechanism. By contrast to the hormones and second messengers, mevalonolactone lowered both HMG-CoA reductase modulation state and total reductase quantity.