THE DISTRIBUTION OF CHOLESTEROL AND TOTAL LIPIDS IN THE NEPHROTIC RAT 1

Abstract

The distribution of cholesterol and total lipids in the liver and extrahepatic viscera was studied in nephrotic and control rats. It was found that the nephrotic rat has a normal content of cholesterol and total lipids in its liver and other viscera, despite the marked isolated elevation of cholesterol and total lipids in its plasma. The significance of these data was discussed in relation to other studies of experimental nephrotic rats. It was suggested that nephrotic hypercholes-teremia and hyperlipemia result from a failure in the normal transfer mechanism of cholesterol and other lipids from the plasma to the liver, with consequent "trapping" and accumulation only within the plasma.