Influence of clofibrate on plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity in rats.

Abstract

Effects of clofibrate on plasma lecithin: cholesterole acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, plasma lipid levels and hepatic cholesterol content were examined in rats with clofibrate treatment for a short period of time. The results show that the administration of the drug for three weeks produces substantial shifts in hepatic cholesterol fractions and induces changes in the plasma LCAT enzyme. It is suggested that clofibrate increases plasma LCAT activity by induction of the enzyme on the microsomal fraction of the hepatic cell and subsequent secretion by the liver. Presumably clofibrate treatment also produces an increase in the rate of hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters in the rat liver.