Tissue lipoprotein lipase in the hyperthyroid rat. Effect of growth and aging

The hydrolysis of lipoprotein triglycerides is catalyzed by lipoprotein lipase (LPL), an enzyme found in many tissues. We have examined tissue LPL activity (LPLA) in rats with experimentally-induced hyperthyroidism. In younger, lighter rats, hyperthyroidism was accompanied by a decrease in LPL in adipose tissue whereas heart and diaphragm muscle LPL activities were increased. These changes are consistent with the hypothesis that the hypercatabolism and increased beta-adrenergic activity of hyperthyroidism result in characteristic changes in tissue LPLA. In older, heavier hyperthyroid animals, however, adipose tissue LPLA was increased and heart and diaphragmatic LPLA were similar to control activities. Propranolol feeding abolished the thyroxine-induced increase in adipose tissue LPLA. In euthyroid animals of similar size the response of muscle LPLA to short-term starvation was also attenuated. These changes in tissue LPLA may provide a mechanism for shunting triglyceride fatty acids away from adipose tissue for utilization by muscle in the hyperthyroid state. During growth and aging, these adaptations are modified.