Influence of whole or skim milk on cholesterol metabolism in rats

Male Wistar rats were fed commercial ration and given whole milk, skim milk, or water to drink. After 3 weeks the control group showed the greatest weight gain. Rats given whole milk had the smallest livers. Serum cholesterol levels were significantly lower in rats fed either whole or skim milk, but other serum lipids were unaffected. Liver triglyceride levels were lowest in the rats on skim milk. Activities of hepatic fatty acid synthetase, hydroxymethyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase were similar in the two milk-fed groups and considerably lower than in the controls.