Effect of Insulin Deficiency on Low Density Lipoprotein Metabolism in Rabbits

Abstract

These studies have been carried out in rabbits with alloxan-induced diabetes in order to see if insulin deficiency affects low density lipoprotein (LDL) catabolism. The results showed that plasma LDL-cholesterol was lower in diabetic rabbits, associated with a fall in the cholesterol to protein ratio of LDL particles. In addition, ¹²⁵I-LDL disappeared more slowly from plasma of diabetic rabbits, leading to a significant reduction in fractional catabolic rate and a decrease in residence time of ¹²⁵I-LDL. These data demonstrate that LDL composition and catabolism are greatly altered as a consequence of insulin deficiency.