Plasma triglyceride secretion in squirrel monkeys: effects of nicotine

The acute effects of intravenous nicotine on the appearance of plasma triglycerides have been studied in anaesthetised squirrel monkeys given Triton-WR 1339. At both dose levels studied, 4 and 10 mug/kg/30 sec, nicotine caused a stimulation in the rate of accumulation of plasma glycerides, the larger dose producing the greater effect. Nicotine caused a transient elevation in plasma free fatty acids (FFA), also in proportion to the dose given. It is suggested the changes in plasma glycerides are due to enhanced hepatic secretion secondary to increased plasma FFA. The administration of Triton-WR 1339 caused a rapid and sustained fall in plasma cholesterol concentrations. This fall was similar to that observed in plasma Triton and evidence is presented to suggest that Triton and cholesterol are removed from the circulation by a similar mechanism. There was no effect of nicotine on plasma cholesterol. The implications of the effects of nicotine of plasma triglycerides in relation to coronary heart disease are discussed briefly.