Effect of nicotine administration on lipid metabolism in rats

Administration of nicotine to rats resulted in increased concentration of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in the serum and tissues. HDL cholesterol decreased while the LDL + VLDL cholesterol increased. There was increased tissue cholesterogenesis as evident from the increased activity of HMG-CoA reductase and increased incorporation into tissue unesterified cholesterol. Increased triglyceride synthesis in the tissues was evident from the increased activity of lipogenic enzymes and increased incorporation of label. Hepatic degradation of cholesterol to bile acids was decreased. The uptake of circulating triglyceride rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons and VLDL) was also decreased as revealed by the decreased activity of extrahepatic lipoprotein lipase. Plasma LCAT activity also showed a decrease in the rats given nicotine. The changes produced in the metabolism of lipids on nicotine administration were thus similar to those observed on exposure of rats to cigarette smoke, and it is felt that nicotine may therefore contribute at least partly to the risk posed by cigarette smoking in the development of atherosclerosis.