Skin Sterols VII. Removal of 7-Cholestenol from Blood of Rats.

Abstract

Delta7- Cholestenol or its acetate injected into the blood stream of the rat disappeared rapidly, less than half remaining in blood after 2 hours. At this time 34% of the injected delta7-cholestenol was found in the lungs, spleen, and liver; 26% remained in these organs after 24 hours. A substantial portion of the delta7-cholestenol remaining was in the ester form. Injected delta7-cholestenol acetate disappeared without any corresponding accumulation of free sterol. Administration of free delta7-sterol resulted in transient increases in the choles-terol content of blood, liver, lungs, and spleen. No comparable increases followed the injection of delta7-cholestenol acetate.