Metabolism of lipoproteins in nonhuman primates. Reduced secretion of very low density lipoproteins in squirrel monkeys with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia

Use of a nonionic detergent (Triton WR 1339) in healthy cats to assess hepatic secretion of triglyceride

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a nonionic detergent (Triton WR 1339) can be used in cats to assess hepatic secretion of triglyceride.

ANIMALS

28 healthy cats.

PROCEDURE

Triton WR 1339 was administered IV according to the following schedule: 5, 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg of body weight. Control cats did not receive an injection or received 0.9% NaCl or PBS solutions at the same osmolarity and volume as the 250 mg/kg group. Blood samples were collected throughout the 48-hour period after administration for determination of triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations and for RBC morphology and osmotic fragility studies.

RESULTS

Administration of Triton WR 1339 at 150 and 250 mg/kg caused profound hypertriglyceridemia. Triglyceride concentrations increased in a curvilinear fashion for the first 2 hours and remained increased for approximately 24 hours. Area under the time-concentration curve for triglyceride at 5 hours differed significantly among groups. At 12 and 24 hours, cholesterol was significantly higher in cats receiving 250 mg/kg. The most dramatic changes in osmotic fragility and RBC morphology were in cats receiving 250 mg/kg; 1 of these cats developed severe icterus and died 5 days later. Feeding rice and casein before administering Triton WR 1339 at 150 mg/kg did not appear to affect the hypertriglyceridemia response.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Triton WR 1339 can be administered IV to cats at a rate of 150 mg/kg to assess hepatic triglyceride secretion, although some cats may have increased RBC osmotic fragility. Higher dosages caused substantial adverse effects, whereas lower dosages did not alter plasma triglyceride concentration.

In vitro and in vivo interactions of Triton 1339 with plasma lipoproteins of normolipidemic rhesus monkeys. Preferential effects on high density lipoproteins

Triton WR-1339 was incubated in vitro in various proportions with plasma from normolipidemic rhesus monkeys or with ultracentrifugally purified lipoproteins, and the products were examined by isopycnic density gradient ultracentrifugation, agarose column chromatography, electrophoretic and immunochemical techniques, and electron microscopy. Some experiments used apo A-I, apo A-II, or Triton labeled with either 125I or 131I. At concentrations of less than 10 mg/ml plasma, Triton interacted preferentially with HDL, changing lipoprotein size and density; Triton was progressively incorporated into the HDL particles, displacing apo E, apo A-I, and apo A-II. At concentrations above 10 mg/ml plasma, Triton displaced all apo A-I from the particle, and much lipid was dissolved into the Triton micelles. When Triton-treated HDL particles were used as a substrate for the enzyme LCAT, enzyme activity decreased in parallel to the displacement of apo A-I. There was no displacement of apo B from LDL nor any loss of lipids; but the particles became deformed and formed rouleaux. A single intravenous dose of Triton WR-1339 administered to a normolipidemic monkey (N) and to a hypercholesterolemic monkey (H) resulted in concentration-dependent HDL changes similar to those observed in vitro. LDL was less affected by Triton, with changes occurring only at high doses. After these structural changes, intravenously injected 131I apo A-I disappeared rapidly from the circulation; 125I apo A-II disappeared less rapidly. These increased clearances were accompanied by a drop in apo A-I plasma levels and the disappearance of HDL particles from plasma. The lipoprotein and apolipoprotein patterns returned to normal 14 days after Triton. We conclude that Triton WR-1339, when exposed to rhesus plasma in vitro or in vivo, interacts preferentially with HDL in a dose-dependent manner. At low concentrations, Triton acts on surface components of the HDL particle; at higher concentrations, Triton penetrates the particle, causing structural disruption. Because of its high affinity for HDL, Triton WR-1339 is a useful reagent for study of HDL structure-function relationships.

Plasma lipoproteins, postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity intralipid half-life, triglyceride secretion rate and liver lipids in the mouse fed different cholesterol diets

Mice (SC), fed a semipurified diet containing cholesterol, cholic acid and sucrose, exhibited, in comparison to control animals (S), an increase in cholesterol, phospholipid and protein of VLDL, LDL1 and LDL2, but triglyceride of the same lipoproteins decreased, as did total plasma triglycerides. Postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity of SC animals was 1.72 times that of S mice. At the same time Intralipid half-life in SC mice was decreased by 52%. Triglyceride secretion rate, after Triton WR 1339 treatment, and liver triglyceride content were reduced in SC animals. HDL mass was decreased in SC mice. Mice (AC) fed a standard diet containing cholesterol showed, in comparison to normal fed animals (A), an increase in cholesterol of VLDL, LDL1 and LDL2 but triglyceride of the same lipoproteins decreased as did total plasma triglycerides. Postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity of AC animals was unmodified as was Intralipid half-life. In AC animals triglyceride secretion rate, after Triton WR 1339 treatment, was reduced but in a less extent than in SC mice. Liver triglyceride was unmodified. HDL mass was decreased in AC mice.

Changes in very low density lipoproteins with cholesterol loading in man

We have studied the effects of cholesterol loading in man, seeking changes in VLDL that may define a population of particles that resemble the atherogenic beta-VLDL in experimental animals. Comparisons were made in 6 men during two diets, containing either 200 mg or 1700 mg cholesterol daily. Although the total plasma cholesterol did not rise significantly over 4 wk of cholesterol loading (mean +/- SD 178 +/- 41 to 194 +/- 48 mg/dl), distinct changes in lipoprotein composition occurred; (1) HDL cholesterol rose significantly (34 +/- 4 to 41 +/- 5) and plasma apoprotein AI rose from 118 +/- 10 to 129 +/- 9 mg/dl. (2) Within VLDL, the proportion of apoproteins E:C rose from 0.18 to 0.32 (p less than 0.005), though the apoprotein E concentration did not change, (3) Within VLDL, the ratio of cholesteryl esters:triglycerides rose, (4) Within VLDL (Sf 20-400) a population of particles that bound to heparin on heparin-sepharose columns increased threefold; since these particles were richer in apoprotein E and in cholesteryl ester than were VLDL not bound to heparin, we conclude that cholesterol loading leads to an increase in smaller VLDL particles, possibly partly catabolized VLDL or independently secreted IDL, that resemble findings in cholesterol fed animals, and (5) Transport kinetics of apoprotein B in VLDL studied in four subjects did not show a rise in production but this does not rule out increased secretion of a cholesteryl ester, apoprotein E enriched subpopulation of VLDL.

Receptor mediated gonadotropin action in gonadal tissues: relationship between blood cholesterol levels and gonadotropin stimulated steroidogenesis in isolated rat Leydig and luteal cells

The present studies were performed to evaluate the role of steroid precursors and plasma lipoproteins in gonadal tissue steroidogenesis. Leydig cell suspension isolated from rat testes responded to hCG. Bt2cAMP, 8 Br-cAMP and cholera toxin with an increase in testosterone response. Administration of 4-aminopyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (4-APP) reduced the plasma cholesterol and testosterone levels in a time and dose dependent manner. This treatment also reduced the steroidogenic capacity of isolated Leydig cells both under basal conditions and in response to trophic hormone. Different doses of 4-APP up to 25 mg/kg BW and up to 4 days of treatment, however, did not modulate cholesterol and cholesterol ester contents of isolated Leydig cells. 4-APP treatment also had no effect on testis weight, phospholipid content, protein synthesis and energy metabolism in isolated Leydig cells. Similarly, administration of 4-APP (12.5 mg/kg) to PMSG-hCG primed rats beginning on day 3, post hCG, drastically reduced the circulating cholesterol and progesterone levels. Injection of the drug also produced an inhibition in vitro luteal cell steroidogenesis and a reduction in cellular cholesterol esters and free cholesterol contents. Addition of LDL or HDL to incubation medium reversed the inhibitory effect of 4-APP on luteal cell steroidogenesis while this inhibition persisted in Leydig cells. Injection of rats with Triton-WR-1339 (mg/kg BW) resulted in a 10-fold increase in plasma cholesterol and a contrasting decrease in testosterone levels. This treatment, however, produced no effect on in vitro Leydig cell steroidogenesis or cellular content of cholesterol esters and free cholesterol. It appears that the Leydig and luteal cells process and utilize lipoprotein-delivered cholesterol for steroidogenesis through different mechanism(s). These studies thus demonstrate differential actions and an acute regulatory role of lipoproteins in gonadotropin modulated steroidogenesis in two different gonadal tissue.

Composition of plasma and nascent very low density lipoprotein from perfused livers of hypercholesterolemic squirrel monkeys

The composition of circulating very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) was compared with the composition and secretion of nascent VLDL from perfused livers of squirrel monkeys that were fed unsaturated or saturated fat diets to elicit different degrees of plasma hypercholesterolemia. All squirrel monkeys studied had cholesteryl ester-rich plasma VLDL, although greater enrichment occurred in hypercholesterolemic animals fed saturated fat. Livers from hypercholesterolemic animals were capable of secreting VLDL particles enriched in cholesteryl ester, suggesting hepatic origin for a portion of this circulating lipid moiety. Total VLDL lipid, but not protein output by perfused livers of hypercholesterolemic monkeys, was greater than that by livers from hypocholesterolemic animals. These results indicate that saturated fat-induced hypercholesterolemia is associated with changes in the composition of hepatic VLDL in the squirrel monkey.

Density distribution, characterization, and comparative aspects of the major serum lipoproteins in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World primate with potential use in lipoprotein research

Qualitative, quantitative, and comparative aspects of the serum lipoprotein profile in the Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a New World primate, are described. Density gradient ultracentrifugation was used to evaluate lipoprotein distribution and to establish criteria for isolation of discrete molecular fractions. The major lipoprotein classes banded isopycnically on the gradient with the following hydrated densities: VLDL, d less than 1.017 g/mL; LDL, d = 1.027--1.055 g/mL; HDL fraction I, d = 1.070--1.127 g/mL; and HDL fraction II, d = 1.127--1.156 g/mL. Electrophoretic, immunological, and electron microscopic analyses attested to the purity of these fractions: the characteristics of each were assessed by chemical analysis, electron microscopy, immunological techniques, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of their protein moieties. Marmoset VLDL and LDL were closely akin to those of man in size and chemical composition, although the former were richer in triglyceride; electrophoretic and immunological data showed the major protein component of VLDL and LDL to be a counterpart to human apo-B. The two HDL subfractions, i.e., HDL-I and HDL-II, corresponded in size and chemical composition to human HDL2 and HDL3, respectively, although slight differences in neutral lipid content were detected. By immunological and electrophoretic criteria, the major apolipoprotein of marmoset HDL was analogous to human apo-AI. In contrast, marked dissimilarities were evident in the complements of low molecular weight, tetramethylurea-soluble polypeptides of marmoset and human lipoproteins. Quantitatively, the human and marmoset lipoprotein profiles were not dissimilar, although HDL was the major class (approximately 50%); in fasting animals, serum concentrations of VLDL, LDL, and HDL were 50--90, 170--280, and 338--408 mg/dL, respectively. C. jacchus was distinct from man in displaying a greater proportion of its total HDL in the less dense (HDL-II) subfraction (marmoset HDL-I/HDL-II = approximately 4:1; human HDL2/HDL3 = approximately 1:3). These data indicate that, as an experimental animal for lipoprotein research, the Common marmoset combines the advantages of ready availability and maintenance with a serum lipoprotein profile which resembles, in many qualitative and quantitative aspects, that found in man.

Varied effects of dietary sucrose and cholesterol on serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in rhesus monkeys

Serum lipid, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins and plasma insulin and glucose were studied in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) fed high sucrose diets (69%, w/w), with and without added cholesterol. When compared to basal diet, a high sucrose diet with no added cholesterol fed for 6 weeks increased serum total cholesterol and triglycerides by factors of 1.2 and 2.8, respectively. Cholesterol supplementation of sucrose diets increased the serum total cholesterol levels by a factor of 2.2 and decreased the serum triglycerides by 0.47. The serum cholesterol response to experimental diets was reflected predominantly in beta-lipoprotein and to a lesser extent in alpha-lipoprotein. Sucrose diets without cholesterol enriched the beta- and pre-beta-lipoproteins with triglycerides and protein at the expense of cholesterol. On the same diet, the protein content of alpha-lipoprotein increased at the expense of cholesterol and triglycerides. In contrast, dietary cholesterol decreased the triglyceride content and increased the cholesterol content of all the lipoprotein classes. Sucrose feeding seems to increase ApoB more than non-ApoB proteins. The proportion of ApoC-II relative to ApcoC-III increased in each animal on a sucrose diet; exogenous cholesterol further increased this trend. While sucrose diet decreased ApoA-I/ApoA-II ratios, cholesterol supplementation reversed this trend. Dietary sucrose increased the plasma glucose, insulin, and insulin-glucose ratios. The addition of cholesterol also tended to decrease plasma glucose and insulin levels. These observations indicate varied responses of serum lipoproteins and apoproteins to dietary sucrose with and without cholesterol supplementation.

Serum alpha-lipoprotein responses to variations in dietary cholesterol, protein and carbohydrate in different non-human primate species

Serum alpha-lipoprotein responses to variations in dietary cholesterol, protein, and carbohydrate were studied in different nonhuman primate species. Chimpanzee, rhesus, green, patas, squirrel and spider monkeys all showed significant interspecies differences in serum total cholesterol responses to 1.84 mg/kcal exogenous cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol significantly increased the alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol in all species except rhesus and chimpanzee. Among these species, there was no relationship between the basal serum lipoprotein profile and subsequent lipoprotein responses to dietary cholesterol. Although the level of dietary protein at 6%, 12%, and 37% of calories had no appreciable main effect on serum total cholesterol in spider monkeys, very low protein diet (6% of calories) produced a significant elevation in alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol. Serum alpha-lipoprotein responses to exogenous cholesterol (1.84 mg/kcal) was highest for the very low protein diet and lowest for low protein diet (12% of calories). Diets with high sucrose (76.5% of calories) and low saturated fat (12.5% of calories) containing no added cholesterol were tested in squirrel and spider monkeys and produced a consistent serum total cholesterol response; the alpha-lipoprotein response was significantly higher in squirrel monkeys than in spider monkeys. The above findings have implications in experimentally induced and comparative atherogenesis.

Hypercholesterolemia and triglyceride secretion rates in monkeys fed different dietary fats

The influence of hypercholesterolemia on the triglyceride secretion rate was studied in both squirrel and cebus monkeys fed coconut oil, corn oil, or safflower oil. The triglyceride secretion rate (TGSR) was determined in vivo following the administration of Triton WR1339, which blocks the clearance of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Thus, the increase observed in circulating triglyceride after Triton administration presumably reflecte hepatic triglyceride (VLDL) secretion in the fasted state. The VLDL-TGSR was lowest in hypercholesterolemic monkeys and highest in those fed unsaturated fat diets and having a low serum cholesterol. In all instances, TGSR was inversely correlated with the plasma cholesterol concentration. While a definitive explanation for these observations must await further investigation, the possibility that circulating low density lipoprotein (LDL) acts to feed back on VLDL secretion is discussed. The decreased TGSR associated with the diet-induced cholesterolemia also implies clearance of VLDL is impaired under these conditions.

Triacylglycerol and very low density lipoprotein secretion into plasma of squirrel monkeys

We determined the effects of varying the types and level of dietary fat and cholesterol on the increase in plasma total triacylglycerol concentrations after injection of Triton WR-1339, an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase, into monkeys that had been subjected to an overnight fast. The monkeys that had been treated with Triton WR-1339 were then given a test meal by intragastric intubation. Dietary cholesterol, high levels of fat and saturated fat in the habitual diet reduced the rate of release of triacylglycerol to plasma in the fasted monkey. We also determined the changes in protein and lipid concentrations of the different lipoprotein fractions. The injection of Triton WR-1339 resulted in a linear increase with time in the concentration of protein and triacylglycerol in the very low density (chylomicron-free and d less than 1.006) lipoproteins, but there was an increase in the ratio of traicylglycerol to protein in that fraction. Most of the increase (96%) in very low density protein was in the B protein. Regardless of the habitual diet, a test meal accentuated the rate of triacylglycerol appearance in whole plasma and in the very low density lipoproteins of Triton WR-1339-treated monkeys, and the rate of increase of the protein component after feeding was slightly higher. Thus the administration of a meal to the fasted Triton WR-1339-treated squirrel monkey further increased the proportion of triacylglycerol in very low density lipoproteins. Although dietary cholesterol and saturated fat in the habitual diet depressed the rate of increase in very low density triacylglycerol during fasting, the rate of protein synthesis was not significantly affected. After administration of a test meal the rates of increase in triacylglycerol and protein in the very low density lipoproteins were similar for monkeys from the different diet groups. Triton WR-1339 administration caused a slight and progressive increase in the intermediate density (d 1.006-1.019) lipoproteins and a marked and progressive decrease in the low density (d 1.019-1.063) lipoproteins. There was an immediate (by 5 min) drop of 70% or more in high density (d 1.063-1.21) lipoprotein protein, but the lipids except triacylglycerol remained unchanged. There was a decrease in both the A (the major fraction) and C proteins. The rates of very low density B protein secretion were comparable to the rates of low density lipoprotein catabolism that had been previously demonstrated for this species.

Densitometric quantitation of neutral lipids on ammonium sulfate impregnated thin-layer chromatograms

A procedure is described which extends the densitometric quantitation of phospholipids on ammonium sulfate impregnated thin-layer chromatograms by Gluck et al. to include total lipid, free and esterified cholesterol, free fatty acid and triglyceride. Lipids separated on thin-layer plates containing silica gel G impregnated with ammonium sulfate were charred upon heating and absorbance was measured densitometrically. Thus, the necessity of spraying or submersing in a charring agent was eliminated, uniform charring became possible, and quantitation over a wider range of sample sizes than most densitometric procedures was obtained. One linear relationship existed for concentrations of standards over the range of 0.0-3.0 mug and another line from 4.0-50.0 mug. Both accuracy and precision of the method were highly reliable.