| Abstract: | Rat hepatocytes were used to demonstrate rapid, transient effects on the modulation state (defined as the fraction of the enzyme present in the catalytically active form) of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase, E.C. 1.1.1.34). Insulin elevated, while glucagon, cAMP or cGMP lowered HMG-CoA reductase modulation state within 10 to 15 min. These changes were accompanied by a parallel change in sterol synthesis. Total HMG-CoA reductase activity was not altered. Rapid modulation of HMG-CoA reductase activity therefore constitutes a viable in vivo control mechanism. By contrast to the hormones and second messengers, mevalonolactone lowered both HMG-CoA reductase modulation state and total reductase quantity. |
