Inhibition of muscular ketone extraction by lipid infusion in man

Using the forearm technique, muscular ketone body metabolism was investigated in 12 healthy volunteers during an i.v. infusion of lipid emulsions containing long chain triglycerides (LCT) or a mixture of medium- and long chain triglycerides (MCT/LCT). During the basal period, arterial concentrations and muscular extraction of beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate were linearly correlated as expected. This relationship was abolished during the infusion of both lipid emulsions. In addition, fractional extraction rates of ketone bodies were reduced. These changes were most probably mediated by elevated levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides as well.