Oxidation and esterification of geometrical and positional isomers of octadecenoic acids in perfused rat liver

The metabolic fate of the geometrical isomers of 6-, 9-, and 11-octadecenoic acids was studied in isolated perfused rat livers. Although the ketogenicities of these monounsaturated fatty acids generally decreased as the double bond was moved away from the carboxyl group, a dependence on the geometrical difference was found only for 9-octadecenoate, the rate being significantly lower in the cis-isomer. Very low density lipoprotein lipid secretion was distinctly and specifically decreased when trans-9-octadecenoic acid was perfused, but no such difference was observed with other isomers. Various trans-isomers were actively incorporated into the hepatic lipids and secreted apparently at the expense of preexisting endogenous cis-octadecenoate. The trans-isomers were all incorporated exclusively at the 1-position of hepatic phosphatidylcholine. Concentrations of the cis-octadecenoate in the glycerolipids secreted and remaining in the liver were characteristically modified depending on the location of the ethylenic bond of the cis-octadecenoate. Thus, both the location of the double bond in the acyl-chain and the geometrical configuration specifically influence the rate of oxidation and esterification of octadecenoic acid in perfused rat liver.     

Lipid metabolism in the perfused chicken liver. The uptake and metabolism of oleic acid, elaidic acid, cis-vaccenic acid, trans-vaccenic acid and stearic acid

Comparative studies were made of the uptake and metabolism of cis- and trans-octadecenoic acids by the perfused chicken liver. No differences were observed in the rates of uptake of the isomers. There was considerable incorporation of radioactivity into triglycerides and phospholipids, and some release of labelled lipid into the perfusate was observed. The cis-fatty acids were more readily incorporated into triglycerides than phospholipids, the reverse being true of the trans-fatty acids. Examination of the intramolecular distribution of fatty acids in triglycerides showed that the trans-fatty acid and stearate mainly occupied the 1- and 3-positions, and cis-fatty acids the 2-position. In the phospholipids phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine the trans-fatty acids again behaved like stearic acid and favoured the 1-position. No evidence was obtained of atypical patterns of uptake or metabolism of the trans-fatty acids.     

Stimulation of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis by fatty acids. Effects of oleate on cytoplasmic acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase.

The effects of oleic acid on the activities of cytosolic HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA) synthase, AcAc-CoA (acetoacetyl-CoA) thiolase and AcAc-CoA synthetase, as well as microsomal HMG-CoA reductase, all enzymes in the pathway of cholesterol biosynthesis, were studied in the isolated perfused rat liver. Oleic acid bound to bovine serum albumin, or albumin alone, was infused for 4 h at a rate sufficient to sustain an average concentration of 0.61 +/- 0.05 mM fatty acid during the perfusion. Hepatic cytosol and microsomal fractions were isolated at the termination of the perfusion. Oleic acid simultaneously increased the activities of the cytosolic cholesterol-biosynthetic enzymes 1.4-2.7-fold in livers from normal fed rats and from animals fasted for 24 h. These effects were accompanied by increased net secretion by the liver of cholesterol and triacylglycerol in the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). We confirmed the observations reported previously from this laboratory of the stimulation by oleic acid of microsomal HMG-CoA reductase. In cytosols from perfused livers, the increase in AcAc-CoA thiolase activity was characterized by an increase in Vmax. without any change in the apparent Km of the enzyme for AcAc-CoA. In contrast, oleic acid decreased the Km of HMG-CoA synthase for Ac-CoA, without alteration of the Vmax. of the enzyme. The Vmax. of AcAc-CoA synthetase was increased by oleic acid, and there was a trend towards a small increase in the Km of the enzyme for acetoacetate. These data allow us to conclude that the enzymes that supply the HMG-CoA required for hepatic cholesterogenesis are stimulated, as is HMG-CoA reductase, by a physiological substrate, fatty acid, that increases rates of hepatic cholesterol synthesis and cholesterol secretion. Furthermore, we suggest that these effects of fatty acid on hepatic cholesterol metabolism result from stimulation of secretion of triacylglycerol in the VLDL by fatty acids, and the absolute requirement of cholesterol as an important structural surface component of the VLDL necessary for transport of triacylglycerol from the liver.     

The role of conjugation reactions in enhancing biliary secretion of bile acids.

Shortening the five-carbon carboxylic acid side chain of cholic acid by one methylene group gave rise to a bile acid (norcholate) that was not a substrate for the bile acid-conjugating enzymes. The metabolism and biliary secretion of norcholate in intact liver was examined in the isolated perfused rat liver system. When rat livers were perfused with 14-20 microM solutions of norcholate for 10 min, norcholate was found in the unconjugated form in liver, venous effluent and bile. Neither tauronorcholate nor glyconorcholate was detectable by high-pressure liquid chromatography or fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry. The kinetics of hepatic uptake and biliary secretion of norcholate was compared with that for cholate, taurocholate and chemically synthesized tauronorcholate. The latter three bile acids were completely cleared from the perfusate and efficiently secreted into the bile. However, norcholate was incompletely extracted from the perfusate, and this was shown to be at least partially due to its relatively lower rate of hepatic uptake. Furthermore, the rate of norcholate secretion into bile was greatly reduced relative to the secretion of cholate or chemically synthesized tauronorcholate, even though the concentration of norcholate in the liver was comparatively high. These data demonstrate that the conjugation of bile acids greatly facilitates their secretion into bile.     

Mass-spectral identification and purification of phycoerythrobilin and phycocyanobilin.

The hepatic output of triacylglycerol and cholesterol from very-low-density lipoprotein (VLD lipoprotein), and the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase were compared in the isolated perfused rat-liver preparation and in the intact rat. The output of triacylglycerol and cholesterol from VLD lipoprotein by the perfused liver was stimulated by oleate concomitant with stimulation of hepatic microsomal hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity. In the intact animal treated with Triton WR-1339, the magnitude of secretion of triacylglycerol and cholesterol from VLD lipoprotein coincided with the diurnal rhythm of hepatic hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity, which was maximal at 24:00 h and minimal at 12:00 h. These observations suggest that the stimulation of the reductase and of the secretion of cholesterol from VLD lipoprotein by non-esterified fatty acids, as observed with the isolated perfused rat liver preparation in vitro, may also be an important physiological mechanism in vivo. Hepatic cholesterogenesis may be stimulated under conditions conductive to the secretion of the VLD lipoprotein, the primary transport form for triacylglycerol in the postabsorptive state.     

Dissociation between rate of hepatic lipoprotein secretion and hepatocyte microtubule content

The fact that colchicines inhibits hepatic secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles has been interpreted to mean that microtubules are involved in hepatic VLDL secretion. To further define this relationship, we have attempted to see if changes in hepatic VLDL secretion are associated with changes in hepatocyte microtubule or tubulin content. Accordingly, hepatic secretion of VLDL was increased in rats, and the hepatocyte content of both microtubules (using quantitative morphometric methods) and tubulin (using a time-decay colchicine binding assay) was determined. In acute experiments, VLDL secretion was increased by perfusion of isolated rat livers for 2 h with varying concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA). Results indicate that hepatic VLDL triglyceride (TG) secretion at perfusate FFA levels of 0.7 μEq/ml is threefold greater (P < 0.01) than when livers are perfused without added FFA. However, no differences are observed in the content of microtubules in these livers: specifically, microtubules occupy 0.029 percent of hepatocyte cytoplasm in livers perfused without FFA and 0.030 percent of cytoplasm in livers perfused with FFA. In chronic experiments, rats were fed for 1 wk with either standard rat chow or a hyperlipidemic (sucrose/lard) diet. With the experimental diet, plasma triglyceride levels increase threefold over controls, and liver VLDL-TG production, as determined by [(3)H]glycerol turnover studies, is 55 percent greater (P < 0.01) than controls. However, microtubules occupy 0.027 percent of the cytoplasm of hepatocyte cytoplasm whether rats are on standard or hyperlipidemic diets. Furthermore, the tubulin content of isolated hepatocytes does change, and represents 1 percent of hepatocyte soluble protein, irrespective of diet. These results suggest that increases in hepatic VLDL secretion can occur without any demonstrable change in hepatocyte assembled microtubule or tubulin content, and raise questions as to the role played by microtubules in hepatic VLDL secretion.     

Synthesis and secretion of very low density lipoproteins by isolated rat hepatocytes in suspension: Role of diacylglycerol acyltransferase

Isolated rat hepatocytes in suspension secrete very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) at a rate comparable with that of the perfused liver. The apoproteins of these lipoproteins are mainly of the B and E type. The amount of apoprotein C in VLDL secreted by hepatocytes is much less than that present in VLDL obtained from rat serum. Incubation of hepatocytes in the presence of fatty acids stimulates the intracellular synthesis of triacylglycerols and their secretion in VLDL. This stimulation is a linear function of the palmitic acid concentration up to 1.6 mm, the highest concentration tested. Colchicine (50 μm) reduced VLDL secretion by 90%. The stimulation of triacylglycerol synthesis and VLDL secretion upon incubation of hepatocytes with fatty acids is paralleled by an enhanced activity of microsomal diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT, EC 2.3.1.20), the only enzyme exclusively involved in the synthesis of triacylglycerols. A mixture of oleic (0.2 mm) and palmitic (0.2 mm) acid added to the cell medium stimulates the activity of DGAT by 354%. This increase in enzyme activity persisted during cell homogenization and subsequent preparation of microsomes to assay the enzyme. It is concluded that freshly isolated hepatocytes in suspension represent a good system to study triacylglycerol synthesis and VLDL secretion, and that the stimulatory effects of fatty acids on these processes are, at least partially, mediated by enhanced activities of DGAT.     

Influence of tauroursodeoxycholic and taurodeoxycholic acids on hepatic metabolism and biliary secretion of phosphatidylcholine in the isolated rat liver

Studies were carried out using an isolated rat liver system to define: the contribution of exogenous phosphatidylcholine (PC) to biliary phospholipid secretion; and its hepatic metabolism during perfusion of the livers with conjugated bile salts with different hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties. A tracer dose of sn-1-palmitoyl-sn-2-[14C]linoleoylPC was injected as a bolus into the recirculating liver perfusate, under constant infusion of 0.75 mumol/min of tauroursodeoxycholate or taurodeoxycholate. The effects on bile flow, biliary lipid secretion, 14C disappearance from the perfusate and its appearance in bile, as well as hepatic and biliary biotransformation were determined. With both the bile salts, about 40% of the [14C]PC was taken up by the liver from the perfusate over 100 min. During the same period less than 2% of the given radioactivity was secreted into bile. More than 95% of the 14C recovered in bile was located within the identical injected PC molecular species. The biliary secretion of labeled as well as unlabeled PC, however, was significantly higher in livers perfused with taurodeoxycholate than tauroursodeoxycholate, while the reverse was observed with respect to bile flow and total bile salt secretion. The exogenous PC underwent extensive hepatic metabolization which appeared to be influenced by the type of bile salt perfusing the liver. After 2 h perfusion, the liver radioactivity was found, in decreasing order, in PC, triacylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and diacylglycerol. In addition, the specific activity of triacylglycerol was significantly higher in tauroursodeoxycholate than in taurodeoxycholate-perfused livers (P less than 0.025), while the reverse was true for the specific activity of hepatic PC (P less than 0.01). Because taurodeoxycholate and tauroursodeoxycholate showed opposite effects on both biliary lipid secretion and hepatic PC biotransformations, we conclude that the hepatic metabolism of glycerolipids is influenced by the physiochemical properties of bile salts.     

Effects of oleic acid on the biosynthesis of lipoprotein apoproteins and distribution into the very-low-density lipoprotein by the isolated perfused rat liver.

The effects of oleic acid on the biosynthesis and secretion of VLDL (very-low-density-lipoprotein) apoproteins and lipids were investigated in isolated perfused rat liver. Protein synthesis was measured by the incorporation of L-[4,5-3H]leucine into the VLDL apoproteins (d less than 1.006) and into apolipoproteins of the whole perfusate (d less than 1.21). Oleate did not affect incorporation of [3H]leucine into total-perfusate or hepatic protein. The infusion of oleate, however, increased the mass and radioactivity of the VLDL apoprotein in proportion to the concentration of oleate infused. Uptake of oleate was similar with livers from fed or fasted animals. Fasting itself (24 h) decreased the net secretion and incorporation of [3H]leucine into total VLDL apoprotein and decreased the output of VLDL protein by the liver. A linear relationship existed between the output of VLDL triacylglycerol (mumol/h per g of liver) and secretion and/or synthesis of VLDL protein. Net output of VLDL cholesterol and phospholipid also increased linearly with VLDL-triacylglycerol output. Oleate stimulated incorporation of [3H]leucine into VLDL apo (apolipoprotein) E and apo C by livers from fed animals, and into VLDL apo Bh, B1, E and C by livers from fasted rats. The incorporation of [3H]leucine into individual apolipoproteins of the total perfusate lipoprotein (d less than 1.210 ultracentrifugal fraction) was not changed significantly by oleate during perfusion of livers from fed rats, suggesting that the synthesis de novo of each apolipoprotein was not stimulated by oleate. This is in contrast with that observed with livers from fasted rats, in which the synthesis of the total-perfusate lipoprotein (d less than 1.210 fraction) apo B, E and C was apparently stimulated by oleate. The observations with livers from fed rats suggest redistribution of radioactive apolipoproteins to the VLDL during or after the process of secretion, rather than an increase of apoprotein synthesis de novo. It appears, however, that the biosynthesis of apo B1, Bh, E and C was stimulated by oleic acid in livers from fasted rats. Since the incorporations of [3H]leucine into the VLDL and total-perfusate apolipoproteins were increased in fasted-rat liver when the fatty acid was infused, part of the apparent stimulated synthesis of the VLDL apoprotein may be in response to the increased formation and secretion of VLDL lipid.     

Utilization of exogenous free fatty acids for the production of very low density lipoprotein triglyceride by livers of carbohydrate-fed rats

High carbohydrate diets enhance the hepatic output of very low density lipoprotein triglycerides. The fatty acids of these triglycerides could come from exogenous sources (i.e., diet or adipose tissue) or from de novo fatty acid synthesis in the liver. The role of exogenous free fatty acids was evaluated in rats fed Purina Chow or diets containing 10% fructose for up to 14 wk. In carbohydrate-fed rats, serum triglycerides were twice normal, and VLDL accounted for about 60% of the increases. Pre-beta-lipoprotein was increased and alpha- and beta-lipoprotein were decreased. Phospholipid and cholesterol levels were unchanged. Livers were perfused with glucose and free fatty acids. Perfusate free fatty acids rose from 180 to 1800 micro eq/liter as the infused acids increased from 0 to 992 micro eq/3 hr; simultaneously, net free fatty acid uptake rose from < 1 to 18 micro eq/g/hr and triglyceride output by the liver doubled. However, rates of secretion of triglyceride became constant, and triglyceride accumulated in liver at uptakes of free fatty acids > 13 micro eq/g/hr. More lauric and myristic acid appeared in the perfusate than was infused, suggesting the hepatic discharge of free fatty acids. Livers of fructose-fed rats secreted twice as much oleate-(14)C-labeled triglyceride as controls at all levels of free fatty acid uptake. The ratios of the specific activities of perfusate triglyceride to free oleate-(14)C were unaffected by diet and were about 0.6 and 1.0 at low and high triglyceride secretion rates, respectively. Thus, carbohydrate feeding did not result in altered uptakes of free fatty acids or preferential secretion of triglycerides containing endogenously synthesized fatty acid. Instead, the increased secretion of triglyceride was accomplished by enhanced formation of VLDL triglyceride from exogenous free fatty acids.     

Eicosapentaenoic acid reduces hepatic synthesis and secretion of triacylglycerol by decreasing the activity of acyl-coenzyme A:1,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase

The mechanism for the reduced hepatic production of triacylglycerol in the presence of eicosapentaenoic acid was explored in short-term experiments using cultured parenchymal cells and microsomes from rat liver. Oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids were the most potent stimulators of triacyl[3H]glycerol synthesis and secretion by hepatocytes, whereas erucic, alpha-linolenic, gamma-linolenic, arachidonic, docosahexaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic acids (in decreasing order) were less stimulatory. There was a linear correlation (r = 0.85, P less than 0.01) between synthesis and secretion of triacyl[3H]glycerol for the fatty acids examined. The extreme and opposite effects of eicosapentaenoic and oleic acids on triacylglycerol metabolism were studied in more detail. With increasing number of free fatty acid molecules bound per molecule of albumin, the rate of synthesis and secretion of triacyl[3H]glycerol increased, most markedly for oleic acid. Cellular uptake of the two fatty acids was similar, but more free eicosapentaenoic acid accumulated intracellularly. Eicosapentaenoic acid caused higher incorporation of [3H]water into phospholipid and lower incorporation into triacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester as compared to oleic acid. No difference was observed between the fatty acids on incorporation into cellular free fatty acids, monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol. The amount of some 16- and 18-carbon fatty acids in triacylglycerol was significantly higher in the presence of oleic acid compared with eicosapentaenoic acid. Rat liver microsomes in the presence of added 1,2-dioleoyl-glycerol incorporated eicosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoyl-CoA into triacylglycerol to a lesser extent than oleic acid and its CoA derivative. Decreased formation of triacylglycerol was also observed when eicosapentaenoyl-CoA was given together with oleoyl-CoA, whereas palmitoyl-CoA, stearoyl-CoA, linoleoyl-CoA, linolenoyl-CoA, and arachi-donoyl-CoA had no inhibitory effect. In conclusion, inhibition of acyl-CoA:1,2-diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.20) by eicosapentaenoic acid may be important for reduced synthesis and secretion of triacylglycerol from the liver.     

Effects of glycerol on VLDL secretion by the isolated rat liver.

Stimulation of VLDL production by increasing fatty acid availability is now well established. However, a possible regulatory role of glycerol, another lipid precursor, in VLDL synthesis by the liver has not yet been substaniated. The present experiments investigate this problem using the isolated perfused rat liver. [14C] Glycerol uptake and metabolism were studied at two different glycerol concentrations: 1 mumol/perfusate (control) or 1.6 mmol/perfusate. VLDL production and lipid synthesis were investigated using [14C]leucine and several labelled fatty acids as precursors in control and glycerol-overloaded livers. Neoglycogenesis and lipogenesis from glycerol carbons are negligible in our conditions. The absolute amount of glycerol, but not the precentage, taken up by the liver, increased after raising its concentration in the perfusate. A major part of exogenous (plasmatic) glycerol was esterified with endogenous (non plasmatic) fatty acids. Incorporation of radioactive fatty acids into liver or plasma lipids was lower than in the the control group. Significant differences were observed between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids used as lipid precursors. Production of VLDL as assessed by radioactive leucine and fatty acid incorporation in the VLDL of the perfusate was depressed by glycerol. Glycerol partly inhibits the normal stimulation of VLDL production by plasmatic fatty acid overload.     

Lipoprotein lipase-mediated sequestration of long-chain polyunsaturated triacylglycerols in serum LDL from normal and hypothyroid rats

Rat serum VLDL, unlike human, contains significant proportions of triacylglycerols with polyunsaturated C20 and C22 fatty acids. Hypothyroidism in this species is characterized by low levels of serum VLDL, the accumulation of LDL, elevated levels of lipoprotein lipase and depressed hepatic lipase activity. The hypothyroid rat thus represents an interesting model in which to study hepatic VLDL metabolism and the substrate specificity of lipoprotein lipase. This report shows that serum IDL and LDL in both euthyroid and hypothyroid rats contain progressively enhanced proportions of triacylglycerols with polyunsaturated C20 and C22 fatty acids when compared to VLDL. Hypothyroidism resulted in a decrease in the proportion of 22:6 fatty acid within the serum VLDL triacylglycerols when compared to euthyroid VLDL. Lipolysis of VLDL from euthyroid rats in vitro using the perfused rat heart system resulted in increases or sequestration of triacylglycerols containing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids within the IDL fraction similar to those seen in vivo. It is concluded that lipoprotein lipase-mediated hydrolysis of VLDL triacylglycerols and the conversion of VLDL to IDL and LDL in the rat results in a progressive sequestration of the longer-chain polyunsaturated triacylglycerol molecular species with the IDL and LDL.     

Stimulation by oleic acid of incorporation of L-[4,5-3H]leucine into very low density lipoprotein apoprotein by the isolated perfused rat liver

Livers from normal fed or fasted (24h) rats were perfused in vitro to determine whether fatty acid affects the biosynthesis of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) apoprotein. Oleate stimulated VLDL triacylglycerol output and increased incorporation of L-[4,5-3H]leucine into VLDL apoprotein in both the fed and fasted groups. The increased incorporation of [3H]leucine was mainly into VLDL-apoprotein E. The total mass of VLDL apoprotein secreted was also stimulated by oleate proportionately. These data suggest that fatty acids may stimulate hepatic synthesis and/or secretion of the VLDL apoproteins and that apo E, may be required for the formation and secretion of triacyl-glycerol in the VLDL.     

A switch in the direction of the effect of insulin on the partitioning of hepatic fatty acids for the formation of secreted triacylglycerol occurs in vivo, as predicted from studies with perfused livers.

The direct effects of insulin on hepatic triacylglycerol secretion are important because they may determine the degree of postprandial hyperlipidaemia, a known risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Previous work from this laboratory, conducted on isolated perfused rat livers [Zammit, V.A., Lankester, D.J., Brown, A.M. & Park, B.S. (1999) Eur. J. Biochem. 263, 859-864], has indicated that the effect of insulin on hepatic triacylglycerol secretion is dependent on the prior physiological state of the donor animals. In this paper, we demonstrate that a switch in the direction of insulin action on hepatic partitioning of fatty acyl moieties towards triacylglycerol secretion also occurs in vivo between the fed, normoinsulinaemic state and the fasted or severely insulin-deficient states. The partitioning of fatty acids in the liver of awake, unstressed rats was studied using selective labelling of hepatic fatty acids during hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps achieved through the use of hepatocyte-targeted liposome-encapsulated insulin preparations. The data show that, whereas in the fed, normoinsulinaemic state, insulinization of the liver raises the proportion of fatty acids directed towards secreted triacylglycerol, in the fasted or insulin-deficient states, insulin inhibits the partitioning of acyl moieties into secreted triacylglycerol. These data show that observations on the direction of insulin action on hepatic triacylglycerol secretion obtained using isolated perfused rat livers are reflected in the effects of the hormone on hepatic fatty acid partitioning in vivo. They offer an explanation for the positive relationship between chronic hyperinsulinaemia, hepatic VLDL-triacylglycerol secretion and hypertriglyceridaemia observed previously in insulin-resistant states.     

Cholesterol is required for secretion of very-low-density lipoprotein by rat liver.

To study potential effects of hepatic cholesterol concentration on secretion of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) by the liver, male rats were fed on unsupplemented chow, chow with lovastatin (0.1%), or chow with lovastatin (0.1%) and cholesterol (0.1%) for 1 week. Livers were isolated from these animals and perfused in vitro, with a medium containing [2-14C]acetate, bovine serum albumin and glucose in Krebs-Henseleit buffer, and with an oleate-albumin complex. With lovastatin feeding, the hepatic concentrations of cholesteryl esters and triacylglycerols before perfusion were decreased, although free cholesterol was unchanged. However, hepatic secretion of all the VLDL lipids was decreased dramatically by treatment with lovastatin. Although total secretion of VLDL triacylglycerol, phospholipid, cholesterol and cholesteryl esters was decreased, the decrease in triacylglycerol was greater than that in free cholesterol or cholesteryl esters, resulting in secretion of a VLDL particle enriched in sterols relative to triacylglycerol. In separate studies, the uptake of VLDL by livers from control animals or animals treated with lovastatin was measured. Uptake of VLDL was estimated by disappearance of VLDL labelled with [1-14C]oleate in the triacylglycerol moiety, and was observed to be similar in both groups. During perfusion, triacylglycerol accumulated to a greater extent in livers from lovastatin-fed rats than in control animals. The depressed output of VLDL triacylglycerols and the increase in triacylglycerol in the livers from lovastatin-treated animals was indicative of a limitation in the rate of VLDL secretion. Addition of cholesterol (either free cholesterol or human low-density lipoprotein) to the medium perfusing livers from lovastatin-fed rats, or addition of cholesterol to the diet of lovastatin-fed rats, increased the hepatic concentration of cholesteryl esters and the output of VLDL lipids. The concentration of cholesteryl esters in the liver was correlated with the secretion of VLDL by the liver. These data suggest that cholesterol is an obligate component of the VLDL required for its secretion. It is additionally suggested that cholesteryl esters are in rapid equilibrium with a small pool of free cholesterol which comprises a putative metabolic pool available and necessary for the formation and secretion of the VLDL. Furthermore, the specific radioactivity (d.p.m./mumol) of the secreted VLDL free cholesterol was much greater than that of hepatic free cholesterol, suggesting that the putative hepatic metabolic pool is only a minor fraction of total hepatic free cholesterol.     

Regulated biosynthesis and divergent metabolism of three forms of hepatic apolipoprotein B in the rat

Studies using rat livers perfused with recycled, serum-containing medium plus [3H]leucine revealed that secreted VLDL contain three forms of apolipoprotein B (apoB), B-48, B-95, and B-100, all synthesized by the liver. The B-48/(B-95 + B-100) [3H]leucine incorporation ratio ranged from 0.22 to 3.25 with livers of rats fed different diets, and the ratio was positively correlated with the triglyceride secretion rate in most of the livers. Generally, as more triglyceride was secreted, a greater proportion was packaged with B-48, which is the apoB form most rapidly cleared from the circulation. Together, these findings suggest a mechanism for regulating plasma triglyceride levels. [3H]Leucine incorporation into apoA-I also was positively correlated with the triglyceride secretion rate. Secretion of newly synthesized B-48 was delayed relative to all other apolipoproteins. There was little segregation of any of the three apoB forms into any of five subfractions of secreted VLDL separated on the basis of Sf value; only the smallest VLDL (Sf 20-100) were slightly enriched in B-95 and B-100. Less than 5% of newly synthesized apoB appeared in perfusate LDL. The B-100/B-95 [3H]leucine incorporation ratio was 3.3 with perfused livers of fed rats but only 1.6 in post-surgical, relatively fasted rats in vivo, suggesting physiologic regulation also of the relative amounts of the two large apoBs produced. With recycled serum-free perfusate, as opposed to serum-containing medium, there was hepatic reuptake of nascent VLDL, indicated by the reuptake of newly synthesized apoE and all three forms of apoB, and not other apolipoproteins. Divergent metabolism of B-100 and B-95 in the rat was evident from the following results: a) B-95 disappeared more rapidly from recycled, serum-free liver perfusate; b) B-100 disappeared more rapidly from the circulation in vivo; c) plasma lipoprotein fractions of increasing density between d less than 1.019 and d 1.072 g/ml contained increasing proportions of B-95 over B-100. In summary, these results show that hepatic VLDL production in the rat involves the biosynthesis of three forms of apoB, that the relative amounts produced are regulated by physiologic variables, and that there is divergent metabolism of the VLDL particles into which these different apoB forms, either individually or in combination, become incorporated.     

Characterization of nascent lipoproteins produced by perfused rat liver: evidence of hepatic secretion and post-secretory modification of nascent lipoproteins

We characterized the lipoproteins produced by perfused rat liver in recirculating and non-recirculating systems. The apolipoprotein (apo) B of the perfusate very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were labeled with a radioactive precursor amino acid in both systems, suggesting that newly synthesized apo B was secreted in association with VLDL and LDL. When the lipoproteins obtained from the non-recirculating perfusate were injected into rats in vivo, the half life of the VLDL was 13 min and most of it was converted to LDL, while that of the LDL was 5.2 h, indicating that the perfusate LDL was different from the VLDL with respect to its metabolic fate. These observations suggest that both VLDL and LDL are produced as independent primary products in the liver, although the majority of LDL is derived from VLDL in vivo. The nascent lipoproteins in the non-recirculating perfusate were richer in apo E than those in the recirculating perfusate, and a part of the apo E disappeared when the VLDL was added to the recirculating perfusate. The particle sizes of the VLDL and LDL were examined by electron microscopy, which revealed that those in the non-recirculating perfusate were more homogeneous and smaller than the plasma counterparts, while those in the recirculating perfusate were more heterogeneous and their mean diameter was closer to that of the plasma lipoproteins, than in the case of non-recirculating perfusate. These observations suggest that apo E secreted with the nascent lipoproteins may be picked up by the liver just after secretion, causing the heterogeneity in size, as observed in the case of plasma lipoproteins.     

A decreased effect of organic phosphates on hemoglobin S at low concentrations.

Livers from fasted male rats were perfused with blood containing 30% carboxyhemoglobin. Chylomicron remnants (labelled with [³H] cholesterol and [¹⁴C] oleate), prepared in functionally hepatectomized rats, were added to the perfusate. Carboxyhemoglobin decreased hepatic uptake of remnant cholesterol and increased the amount of lipoprotein flushed out of the liver at the end of perfusion. Transfer of triacylglycerol fatty acids to phospholipid and formation of d>1.006 lipoproteins was diminished. Ketogenesis was increased and lipoprotein triacylglycerol secretion decreased. The data indicate an inhibition of hepatic remnant catabolism by carboxyhemoglobin and are discussed with reference to the possible role of smoking in atherosclerosis.     

Effects of ethynyloestradiol on the metabolism of [1-14C]-oleate by perfused livers and hepatocytes from female rats

Normal female rats were given 15mug of ethynyloestradiol/kg body wt. for 14 days and were killed on day 15 after starvation for 12-14h. The livers were isolated and were perfused with a medium containing washed bovine erythrocytes, bovine serum albumin, glucose and [1-(14)C]oleic acid; 414mumol of oleate were infused/h during a 3h experimental period. The output of bile and the flow of perfusate/g of liver were decreased in livers from animals pretreated with ethynyloestradiol, whereas the liver weight was increased slightly. The rates of uptake and of utilization of [1-(14)C]oleate were measured when the concentration of unesterified fatty acid in the perfusate plasma was constant. The uptake of unesterified fatty acid was unaffected by pretreatment of the animal with oestrogen; however, the rate of incorporation of [1-(14)C]oleate into hepatic and perfusate triacylglycerol was stimulated, whereas the rate of conversion into ketone bodies was impaired by treatment of the rat with ethynyloestradiol. Pretreatment of the rat with ethynyloestradiol increased the output of very-low-density lipoprotein triacylglycerol, cholesterol, phospholipid and protein. The production of (14)CO(2) and the incorporation of radioactivity into phospholipid, cholesteryl ester and diacylglycerol was unaffected by treatment with the steroid. The net output of glucose by livers from oestrogen-treated rats was impaired despite the apparent increased quantities of glycogen in the liver. The overall effect of pretreatment with oestrogen on hepatic metabolism of fatty acids is the channeling of [1-(14)C]oleate into synthesis and increased output of triacylglycerol as a moiety of the very-low-density lipoprotein, whereas ketogenesis is decreased. The effect of ethynyloestradiol on the liver is apparently independent of the nutritional state of the animal from which the liver was obtained. It is pertinent that hepatocytes prepared from livers of fed rats that had been treated with ethynyloestradiol produced fewer ketone bodies and secreted more triacylglycerol than did hepatocytes prepared from control animals. In these respects, the effects of the steroid were similar in livers from fed or starved (12-14h) rats. Oestrogens may possibly inhibit hepatic oxidation of fatty acid, making more fatty acid available for the synthesis of triacylglycerol, or may stimulate the biosynthesis of triacylglycerol, or may be active on both metabolic pathways.