Cholesteryl ester metabolism in liver and blood plasma of various animal species

A Facile LC-MS Method for Profiling Cholesterol and Cholesteryl Esters in Mammalian Cells and Tissues

Cholesterol is central to mammalian lipid metabolism and serves many critical functions in the regulation of diverse physiological processes. Dysregulation in cholesterol metabolism is causally linked to numerous human diseases, and therefore, in vivo, the concentrations and flux of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters (fatty acid esters of cholesterol) are tightly regulated. While mass spectrometry has been an analytical method of choice for detecting cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in biological samples, the hydrophobicity, chemically inert nature, and poor ionization of these neutral lipids have often proved a challenge in developing lipidomics compatible liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods to study them. To overcome this problem, here, we report a reverse-phase LC-MS method that is compatible with existing high-throughput lipidomics strategies and capable of identifying and quantifying cholesterol and cholesteryl esters from mammalian cells and tissues. Using this sensitive yet robust LC-MS method, we profiled different mammalian cell lines and tissues and provide a comprehensive picture of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters content in them. Specifically, among cholesteryl esters, we find that mammalian cells and tissues largely possess monounsaturated and polyunsaturated variants. Taken together, our lipidomics compatible LC-MS method to study this lipid class opens new avenues in understanding systemic and tissue-level cholesterol metabolism under various physiological conditions.

Acute toxicity of nano- and micro-scale zinc powder in healthy adult mice

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acute toxicity of oral exposure to nanoscale zinc powder in mice. The healthy adult male and female mice were gastro-intestinally administered at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight with two size particles, nanoscale zinc (N-Zn) and microscale zinc (M-Zn) powder, while one group mice treated with sodium carboxy methyl cellulose was used as the control. The symptoms and mortality after zinc powder treatment were recorded. The effects of particles on the blood-element, the serum biochemical level and the blood coagulation were studied after 2 weeks of administration. The organs were collected for histopathological examination. The N-Zn treated mice showed more severe symptoms of lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea in the beginning days than the M-Zn mice. Deaths of two mice occurred in the N-Zn group after the first week of treatment. The mortalities were confirmed by intestinal obstruction of the nanoscale zinc aggregation. The biochemical liver function tests of serum showed significantly elevated ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH in the M-Zn mice and ALT, ALP, and LDH in the N-Zn mice compared with the controls (P<0.05), which indicated that the liver damage was probably induced by both micro- and nano-scale zinc powders. The clinical changes were observed in the two treated group mice as well. The levels of the above enzymes were generally higher in the M-Zn mice than in the N-Zn mice, which implied that M-Zn powder could induce more severe liver damage than N-Zn. The biochemical renal function tests of serum BUN and CR in the M-Zn mice markedly increased either compared with the N-Zn mice or with the controls (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between the N-Zn and the control mice. However, severe renal lesions were found by the renal histopathological examination in the N-Zn exposed mice. Therefore, we concluded that severe renal damage could occur in the N-Zn treated mice, though no significant change of blood biochemical levels occurred. Blood-element test showed that in the N-Zn mice, PLT and RDW-CV significantly increased, and HGB and HCT significantly decreased compared to the controls, which indicated that N-Zn powder could cause severe anemia. Besides the pathological lesions in the liver, renal, and heart tissue, only slight stomach and intestinal inflammation was found in all the zinc treated mice, without significant pathological changes in other organs.

Selective uptake of high density lipoproteins cholesteryl ester in the dog, a species lacking in cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity

Amongst the processes involved in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from organs to liver, including high density lipoproteins-apolipoprotein AI (HDL-apoAI) dependent tissue uptake and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)-mediated transfers, the selective uptake of cholesteryl ester (CE) is of increasing interest through its antiatherogenic role. The purpose of this report is to develop a simple protocol allowing study of this process in an animal model with easier quantification of CE selective uptake. The dog was chosen essentially because this animal has a low CETP activity and an appropriate size to conduce a kinetic study. Tracer kinetics were performed to estimate in vivo the contributions of the pathways involved in HDL-CE turnover in dogs. Stable isotopes, 13C-acetate and D3-leucine as labeled precursors of CE and apoAI, were infused to fasting dogs. Isotopic enrichments were monitored in plasma unesterified cholesterol and in HDL-CE and apoAI by mass spectrometry. Kinetics were analyzed using compartmental modeling. Results concerned the measurement of the activity of cholesterol esterification (0.13+/-0.032 h(-1)), rate of HDL-apoAI catabolism (0.024+/-0.012 h(-1)), HDL-CE turnover (0.062+/-0.010 h(-1)) and CE selective uptake (0.038+/-0.014 h(-1)). Our results show that CE in dogs is mainly eliminated by selective uptake of HDL-CE (60% of HDL-CE turnover), unlike in other species studied by similar methods in our laboratory. This study shows that among species used to analyze cholesterol metabolism, the dog appears to be the animal in whom HDL-CE selective uptake represents the largest part of HDL-CE turnover.

Ocular lipid deposition and hyperlipoproteinaemia

In all species there are potential ocular manifestations when circulating lipoproteins are raised and these may be transient or permanent Many factors, both systemic and local, influence lipid influx and accumulation (progression) and lipid mobilisation and efflux (regression). In both humans and animals some types of lipid deposition will regress if the local and systemic factors involved in pathogenesis can be modified. There are inescapable parallels with the same phenomena in other tissues.Three types of corneal lipid deposition have been linked with hyperlipoproteinaemia. In corneal arcus, lipid is deposited preferentially in the warmest part of the cornea initially and, in people, the lipid remains almost exclusively extracellular. In animals, corneal arcus is associated with initial extracellular lipid deposition followed by the appearance of intracellular lipid and vascularisation, so that established corneal arcus tends to become more typical of lipid keratopathy. In humans, hyperlipoproteinaemia may be an associated systemic factor and early onset corneal arcus is a recognised feature of certain primary hyperlipoproteinaemias and their secondary phenotypes. In dogs, corneal arcus is always associated with hyperlipoproteinaemia. Corneal vascularisation is a ubiquitous feature of lipid keratopathy in all species and both necrotic fibroblasts and foam cells are common in progressive lesions. The extent and position of lipid deposition and the evolution of lipid keratopathy can be related to local ocular disease and circulating lipids and lipoproteins. Many aspects of the pathogenesis of lipid keratopathy are similar to those of atherogenesis. Hyperlipoproteinaemia, especially hypercholesterolaemia is the commonest systemic abnormality. In crystalline stromal dystrophy (Schnyder's crystalline stromal dystrophy) of the cornea there is no inflammatory element and no vascularisation. The dystrophy is associated with accumulation of lipid within the corneal fibroblasts, but typical foam cells are absent, the crystalline opacity involves the coolest part of the cornea, correlates with local fibroblast death, and is always bilateral. Hyperlipoproteinaemia, may be present, but this is not universally so.The objective of this paper is to evaluate the factors that may influence ocular involvement in hyperlipoproteinaemia. A comparative approach, utilising information available from studies of both ocular and non-ocular tissues, aids elucidation of the complex pathogenesis.

High density lipoprotein cholesteryl ester metabolism in the pony, an animal species without plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity: transfer of high density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters to lower density lipoproteins and the effect of the amount of fat in the diet

The metabolism of high density lipoprotein cholesteryl esters (HDL CE) was studied in the pony, an animal species without plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity. Studies were done in ponies fed a low- (1.5% fat, w/w) and a high-fat diet (11.5%, w/w fat). The ponies fed the high-fat diet had higher plasma HDL CE concentrations (1.08+/-0.15 vs. 0.84+/-0.11 mmol/l, mean+/-S.D., n=6, P<0.01) and plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities (14.3+/-4.0 vs. 5.7+/-3.4 micromol free fatty acids (FFA)/ml per h, P<0.05) than those on the low-fat diet. Plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations were lower on the high-fat diets (0.129+/-0.043 vs. 0.180+/-0.050 mmol/l), but these differences were not statistically significant. There was a negative correlation between the levels of plasma TAG (r=0.598, P<0.05) and VLDL CE (r=0.658, P<0.05) on the one hand and the HDL CE concentrations on the other hand. The transport rates of HDL CE were not significantly different between ponies fed high-fat (0.029+/-0.008 mmol HDL CE/h per l plasma) and those fed low-fat diets (0.024+/-0.004). HDL CE were transferred to low density lipoproteins (LDL) and we calculated that the percentage of LDL CE derived from HDL was 0.69+/-0.13 in the ponies fed the low-fat diet and 0.53+/-0.05 in the ponies fed the high-fat diet (P<0.05). The results of these in vivo studies suggest that in ponies, similarly as reported in rats and pigs, HDL CE can be transferred to LDL despite the absence of plasma CETP activity, and that the magnitude of this transfer is related to the levels of HDL CE as induced by the amount of fat in the diet.

Inhibitory effects of lipid oxidation on the activity of plasma lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase

We investigated the effects of free radical generation on the esterification of cholesterol by lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). A water-soluble free radical initiator, 2,2'-azobis-amidinopropane dihydrochloride (AAPH), inhibited the activity of plasma LCAT as a function of the incubation time after its addition. When a small amount of oxidized HDL was added to plasma, LCAT activity was dose-dependently inhibited. To identify the effects of HDL oxidation on LCAT activity, a purified enzyme and cofactor in a vesicle solution (an artificial substrate) were used. i) LCAT activity was inhibited by the oxidation of substrate vesicles, this inhibition being related to the degree of oxidation. ii) This inhibition was observed even if apolipoprotein A-I was not oxidized. iii) Oxidized phosphatidylcholine, but not oxidized cholesterol, in the vesicles affected LCAT activity. iv) The addition of 0-40% of oxidized vesicles to normal substrate vesicles resulted in the activity of LCAT being inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the esterification of cholesterol by LCAT may be affected by the oxidation of substrate phosphatidylcholine via free radical generation in the plasma.

Changes in lipid composition of calf tissues by excess dietary zinc

In a previous study, very high Zn (1000 ppm) prevented most of the tissue lipid increases caused by very high Cu (1000 ppm), and this investigation was conducted to study whether Zn had a direct effect on lipid metabolism or simply acted indirectly by inhibiting excess Cu activity. Calves were fed basal dietary Cu (10 ppm), and lipid composition of heart, liver, and blood plasma was measured as affected by control (40 ppm in DM), high (500 ppm), or very high (1000 pm) Zn intakes. Supplementation with 1000 ppm of Zn did not cause any marked quantitative changes in tissue lipids (e.g., lipid classes, oleic, or stearic acids), suggesting that, in the previous study, Zn had mainly interfered with excess Cu effects on lipids rather than with lipid metabolism directly. However, there were two exceptions. Adding 1000 ppm of Zn to basal Cu ration 1) reduced concentration and changed the fatty acid composition of plasma cholesterol esters, both of which are indicative of excess Zn inhibiting lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity, and 2) altered the desaturation and elongation of the essential fatty acids and their concentration in tissue phospholipids. This latter effect of excess Zn conceivably could be important in changing the structure and function of cell membranes and in the production and activity of prostanoids and leukotrienes.

Changes in the composition of plasma lipoproteins in the chronic uremic rat

The effect of chronic renal failure on the lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations of plasma, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) was studied in an experimental uremic rat model. Control rats were sham-operated and were divided into adlibitum-fed and pair-fed groups. The rats were studied (after an overnight fast) 32 days after the onset of uremia. The uremic rats had a 4-fold increase in plasma urea nitrogen and creatinine. The pair-fed and ad-lib-fed controls had similar levels of plasma urea nitrogen and lipid profiles. In the uremic rats, plasma triglyceride (TG) levels were increased 3.8-fold due to increased TG in the VLDL, IDL and HDL fractions. Their 2-3-fold increase in plasma free cholesterol (FC), esterified cholesterol (EC) and phospholipids (PL) were due to FC, EC and PL increases in VLDL, IDL, LDL and HDL. Their increase in plasma apo B (x 2.4) and apo E (x 1.5) were due to increases in VLDL, IDL and LDL. Their plasma apo A-I increased 2.4 fold due to increases in the LDL and HDL fractions. Uremic rats also had increases in the FC/PL molar ratio in VLDL, IDL and LDL. In their LDL, the apo B/total cholesterol (TC), apo B/PL and apo B/apo E molar ratios were decreased. In their HDL, the apo E/TC and apo E/PL molar ratios were decreased and the apo A-I/apo E molar ratio was increased. In conclusion, chronic uremia causes both quantitative changes in the levels and qualitative changes in the composition of the plasma lipoprotein particles. These results are compatible with the decreased hepatic lipase activities and impairment of remnant clearance observed in human chronic renal failure.

Effect of dietary fat saturation on plasma lipoproteins and high density lipoprotein metabolism of the rhesus monkey

Rhesus monkeys were fed corn or coconut oil-based diets for 3-6 mo to determine effects on the composition of all lipoprotein classes and on the metabolism of high density lipoproteins (HDL). Major findings included the following. Coconut oil feeding increased concentrations of all classes of plasma lipoproteins without altering lipoprotein size, suggesting an increase in particle number. The percentage of saturated fatty acids in the cholesteryl esters (CE) of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and HDL reached 40% with coconut oil feeding. This value probably constitutes a minimum estimate of the CE which were of intracellular rather than intraplasmic origin. The CE in LDL and HDL were nearly identical suggesting virtually complete equilibration by the core lipid transfer reaction. The CE in very low density lipoproteins, in contrast, were significantly more saturated than those in LDL and HDL irrespective of diet. Lower HDL levels on the corn oil diet were associated with higher fractional catabolic rates for both apolipoprotein A-I (0.42 vs. 0.31 d-1) and apolipoprotein A-II (0.45 vs. 0.30 d-1).

Purification of horse (Equus caballus) serum lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase

1. A method for the purification of horse serum lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase has been established. 2. The method involves the adsorption of the enzyme from diluted horse serum on DEAE-Sephadex A-50, (NH4)2SO4 fractionation, 1-butanol treatment, and chromatographic techniques of DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, DEAE-Sephadex A-50, Affi-Gel blue and hydroxylapatite. 3. The resultant enzyme preparation essentially formed a single main band when subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. 4. The final purification of the enzyme was 20,000-fold with 7% yield. 5. The apparent mol. wt of the enzyme was 64,000. 6. The activity of the enzyme was stable for 3 days at 0 degree C.

Hepatic cholesteryl ester metabolism in reptiles. A comparative study of three species of Brazilian lizards

Cholesterol esterase (CEase) and acylcoenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACATase) activities were identified in liver cytoplasmatic extracts from Tropidurus torquatos (Iguanidae), Ameiva ameiva (Teiidae) and Hemidactylus mabouia (Gekkonidae). Optimum conditions were established to measure the hydrolytic activity of CEase and esterifying activities of CEase and ACATase. The activities of both enzymes were generally similar in all three species of reptiles, and did not differ greatly from values reported for a variety of mammalian species.

Comparative biochemistry of the guinea-pig: a partial checklist

A great deal is known about guinea-pig biochemistry, but the information is scattered and difficult to assemble. The guinea-pig also possesses a number of unusual biochemical features which add to its interest. For these reasons we have compiled a list of biochemical characteristics of the guinea-pig, organized in a series of tables, with brief discussions of some of the entries.

Carnitine esters: novel inhibitors of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase in experimental animals but not in man (Homo sapiens)

1. Long-chain fatty acid esters of carnitine were observed to inhibit lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT, EC 2.3.1.43) in plasma from the rat (Rattus sativa) and rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) but not in man (Homo sapiens). At a level of 500 nmol/ml of plasma, L-palmitoylcarnitine, L-stearoylcarnitine, and L-oleoylcarnitine inhibit the formation of cholesteryl esters by LCAT by 25-30%. 2. The inhibition is concentration-dependent and is observed only with acylcarnitine esters with acyl chains of 12C or greater. 3. Equipotent activity is obtained using either the DL-acylcarnitine esters or the L-acylcarnitine esters. 4. Inhibition of LCAT by carnitine esters is greater than that achievable with sodium dodecylsulfate on a mol:mol basis and is not reversible with albumin. 5. The failure of the carnitine esters to inhibit plasma LCAT from man suggests the possibility of subtle differences in the structure of human LCAT compared with that in other species.

Differences in plasma cholesteryl ester transfer activity in sixteen vertebrate species

1. Large variations have been observed in the cholesteryl ester transfer activity of lipoprotein-free plasma isolated from 16 vertebrate species. 2. The different species have been arbitrarily divided into low, intermediate and high transfer activity groups, with man in the intermediate group. 3. Cholesteryl ester transfer activity did not correlate with the molar rate of cholesterol esterification in the plasma, nor with the concentration of cholesteryl ester in low density lipoproteins or high density lipoproteins. 4. It correlated positively and significantly with the concentration in very low density lipoproteins (r = 0.34, P = 0.014).

Plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity in high- and low-responding rhesus monkeys

The initial rate of esterification of plasma cholesterol by lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) was measured in high- and low-responding rhesus monkeys fed a moderately high cholesterol (0.15 mg/kcal) diet. The results show that the rate of esterification of cholesterol in the plasma of the high-responders was significantly (p less than 0.025) higher than that of the low-responding animals. In view of known relationships between LCAT activity and plasma lipoprotein metabolism, it is suggested that the lipoprotein metabolism in the high-responders would differ from that in the low-responders.

A physiologic role for the esterified cholesterol transfer protein: in vivo studies in rabbits and pigs

The observation that pig plasma is deficient in esterified cholesterol transfer activity has been exploited in an attempt to establish an in vivo role for the esterified cholesterol transfer protein. The plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) of pigs and also of rabbits (a species known to possess an active esterified cholesterol transfer protein) were labeled with 3H in the esterified cholesterol moiety and with 125I in the apoprotein moieties and reinjected into the respective species. In both rabbits and pigs, the removal of 125I from the recipient HDL fraction was parallel to that from the whole plasma, with negligible 125I appearing in other plasma lipoprotein fractions. In the pig, the removal of esterified 3H-cholesterol from the recipient HLD was very similar to that of 125I; there was only minimal appearance in other lipoproteins. In the rabbit, however, there was a major in vivo transfer of esterified 3H-cholesterol from HDL to other fractions. It has been concluded that an active esterified cholesterol transfer protein is probably necessary to achieve the in vivo transfer of esterified cholesterol from HDL to other plasma lipoproteins.

Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase: inhibition by local anesthetics in plasma from man and experimental animals in vitro

Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT, EC 2.3.1.43) was assayed in vitro in plasma from normal man, rat, rabbit and dog by following the formation of 14C-cholesteryl esters subsequent to labeling the plasma with 14C-cholesterol in vitro. In all species examined, various local anesthetics were found to inhibit LCAT when studied over the concentration range of 1 to 5 mM. The order of inhibition was dibucaine>benzocaine>tetracaine>lidocaine>procaine. Since LCAT activity represents the combined effect of a deacylation step and an esterification step, inhibition of LCAT by local anesthetics could theoretically involve either or both steps.

Serum and liver lipid composition and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase in horses, Equus caballus

1. The lipid composition of serum and liver and some properties of serum lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase of the horse were investigated. 2. Phospholipids and cholesterol were the major components of serum lipids and the concentration of triglyceride was considerably low. The concentration of liver lipids was comparable with that of other mammals. 3. Fatty acid composition of serum cholesterol ester resembled that of the 2-position of lecithin, except palmitic acid. 4. The activity of serum cholesterol esterifying enzyme was found to be 0.03-0.09 mumol/hr per ml. There was an equimolar decrease in free cholesterol and lecithin during incubation, and changes in unsaturated fatty acids in these two components were in good agreement. 5. Cholesterol esterification was reversibly inhibited by 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid). The acyl-transferase had a specificity for linoleic acid.

Plasma lipid concentrations for some Brazilian lizards

1. Plasma concentrations of cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, phospholipids and triglycerides were determined for ten species of Brazilian lizards, Iguana iguana, Tropidurus torquatos and T. semitaeniatus (Iguanidae), Tupinambis teguixin, Ameiva ameiva and Cnemidophorus ocellifer (Teiidae), Mabuya maculata (Scincidae), Hemidactylus mabouia (Gekkonidae), Amphisbaenia vermicularis and Leposternon polystegum (Amphisbaenidae). 2. Considerable inter- and intra-species variations in plasma lipid concentrations were observed. 3. The percentage of total cholesterol esterified and the individual phospholipid composition of plasma were relatively constant for each species. 4. Over 60% of the cholesteryl esters present in plasma from three species each of iguanid and teiid lizards were polyenoic.

Properties and subcellular distribution of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) in guinea-pig liver

The optimal in vivo conditions for measuring liver acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase, EC.2.2.1.26 (ACAT) activity in cytoplasmic extract from guinea-pigs have been examined. ACAT in liver from ordinarily fed guinea-pigs is very low. The effect of different compounds on ACAT activity was evaluated. Sodium fluoride, oligomycin, divalent cations, oleyl-CoA, and bile acids were all shown to inhibit ACAT activity markedly. Albumin stimulated the cholesterol esterification independently of the presence of fatty acids. Subcellular distribution of liver ACAT in relation to different marker enzymes shows that the bulk of ACAT activity is present in the microsomal fraction. By comparing the esterification of exogenous and endogenous cholesterol, the results indicate that these two substrates are not esterified to the same extent. Both the 'enzyme" level and substrate quality are of importance for the high ACAT activity found in rat-liver homogenates compared to guinea-pig.

Metabolism of cholesteryl esters of very low density lipoproteins in the guinea pig

Very low density lipoproteins from guinea pig plasma, endogenously labeled with 3H in both the esterified and free cholesterol moieties, were obtained from serum collected 20 hr after the intravenous injection of 3H-cholesterol into donor animals. When these lipoproteins were injected into recipient guinea pigs, the esterified 3H-cholesterol was rapidly cleared from the plasma; 24% was in the liver in 5 min and 54% in 15 min. A smaller fraction of the esterified cholesterol appeared in other plasma lipoprotein fractions, with 3H in the low density lipoproteins reaching a peak of 9%-18% of the injected esterified 3H-cholesterol between 30 and 60 min after the injection. The results indicate that most of the esterified cholesterol in very low density lipoproteins of guinea pig plasma is removed directly by the liver and a minor fraction is transferred to low density lipoproteins. The pattern of labeling of cholesteryl esters of high density lipoproteins in these experiments suggests that their low concentration in the guinea pig is accompanied by a rapid turnover rate.

On the interpretation and potential diagnostic value of the measurements related to lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity

At least one reliable method is available for measuring LCAT activity in human subjects(25), and this assay may help to probe even subtle changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins. Since plasma lipids and lipoproteins are known to be present in abnormal amounts in a large number of metabolic diseases, the method of measuring the rate of cholesterol esterification in plasma could assume a substantial role in the diagnosis and (or) monitoring of treatment of pathologic states.

New interpretations of lipoproteins and arterial lesions of cholesterol-fed rabbits

The serum of cholesterol-fed rabbits contains lipoproteins rich in cholesterol, in contrast to those in thoracic duct lymph, which are rich in triglyceride. This study suggests that the serum lipoproteins may be "remnant" chylomicrons which have been stripped of their triglyceride, but which have not been removed from circulation by the liver, as usually occurs rapidly in other animal species. Electrophoresis of rabbit serum showed a broad beta band corresponding to the very low density lipoprotein fraction separated by ultracentritrifugation. This broad beta band may represent the "remnant particles". This proposed "remnant particle" hyperlipidaemia in rabbits may have its parallel in Type III human hyperlipidaemia, which also has a broad beta band on electrophoresis and may be a "remnant particle" disease. It was also found that early arterial lesions in rabbits are similar to some human fatty streaks, which if allowed to age for a further two years while the rabbits eat normal food, do not regress but mature to resemble calcified fibrous plaques.

Synthesis of cholesterol esters in the plasma and liver of sheep

A study was made with sheep on the formation in vitro of long chain fatty acid esters of cholesterol by the lecithin-cholesterol-acyltransferase system present in the plasma and the acyl CoA-cholesterola cyltransferase system present in the liver. The rate of cholesterol esterification in the plasma was 0.024 mumoles/ml/hr. The relative pattern of fatty acids esterified during incubation of the plasma remained constant over the 8 hr period of incubation and was similar to the fatty acids in the plasma cholesteryl esters before incubation began and to the fatty acids in the 2-position of the plasma lecithin. The predominant cholesteryl esters synthesized contained monoenoic and dienoic fatty acids. Unlike the bovine, there was no apparent discrimination in favor of the 18:2 containing species of plasma lecithin as donors of fatty acids. This difference could be accounted for by the similarity in the 18:2 content of the phospholipids present in the high density (density greater than 1.062 and less than 1.21) and the low density (density greater than 1.006 and less than 1.063) lipoprotein fractions of the sheep plasma. The possibility of some discrimination against 20:4 during cholesterol ester synthesis in the plasma of the sheep cannot be excluded. In the liver, the predominant cholesteryl esters synthesized contained saturated and monoenoic fatty acids; cholesteryl linoleate was synthesized to a very much less extent. There was considerable similarity between the composition of the unesterified fatty acid fraction of the liver before incubation began and the fatty acid composition of the cholesteryl esters synthesized during incubation. Addition of sonicated suspensions of free fatty acidsaltered markedly the fatty acid pattern of the cholesteryl esters synthesized by the liver slices. From the evidence presented it is concluded that the cholesteryl esters in sheep plasma are syntheized mainly by the plasma lecithin-cholesterol-acyltransferase system. The results are discussed in relation to cholesterol esterification systems demonstrated in the plasma and liver of monogastric animals.