Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of continuous Intralipid® infusions on serum HDL and LDL levels in the rat. Male Fischer 344 rats were infused continuously via central venous catheter with 10% Intralipid® for 96 h and 5, or 2.5% Intralipid for 14 days. Blood samples were collected during the infusion period for total serum cholesterol, HDL-, and LDL-cholesterol measurements. Food intake was monitored during the studies. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly elevated following 96 h of infusion with 10% Intralipid with food intake significantly decreased compared to a control group. In a second experiment, animals received a continuous infusion of either 5% Intralipid, 2.5% Intralipid or 0.45% saline for 14 days. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly elevated following 14 days of infusion with 5% Intralipid group compared to controls but food intake remained constant for 12 days with no evident toxicity.