Discharge of Cholesterol Into the Perfusate of Isolated Rat Livers

Abstract

In 5 perfusion experiments utilizing pairs of hyperthyroid rat livers the cholesterol concentration of the perfusate increased 45% in the presence of Triton (WR-1339). Control experiments (6) of hyperthyroid rat livers revealed no significant rise in cholesterol concentration of the perfusate in the absence of Triton. Analysis of the cholesterol content of normal livers and perfused hyperthyroid livers in the presence of, or absence of, Triton showed no differences in total cholesterol content or cholesterol concentration of the livers. Results demonstrated that the isolated perfused hyperthyroid rat liver which is capable of synthesizing cholesterol at an increased rate discharged cholesterol into its perfusion fluid in significant amount during a 6-hour period.