Mechanism Underlying Hypercholesteremia Induced by Triton WR-1339

Abstract

Sequential changes in the plasma lipids of rats injected with Triton were studied. It was observed that following a dose of Triton, the accumulation of triglyceride (neutral fat), cholesterol and phospholipid proceeded in plasma for about 36 hours, after which time a rapid diminution began. Excess triglyceride began both to accumulate and to disappear, respectively, before the other two substances. During the phase of accumulation, the excess cholesterol in plasma was not found to be reflected by any increase in cholesterol either in the liver tissue or in hepatic lymph. This lack of diffusibility of plasma cholesterol disappeared during the period of recovery. Injection of Triton retarded the escape of both injected triglyceride and phosphatide from the plasma of the liverless rat. Hypercholesteremia could be induced in the liverless rat by Triton injection if triglyceride, phosphatide or both were given with the Triton. It is suggested that the hypercholesteremia occurring after injection of Triton is due to the latter's ability to retain excess triglyceride and phospholipid which then in turn mobilizes and sequesters cholesterol from both extrahepatic and hepatic sources.