Influence of Fasting on the Formation of Cholesterol Arachidonate by the Serum Cholesterol Esterifying Enzyme

Abstract

Summary

The serum cholesterol ester transferase enzyme is more active in the serum of fasted than fed rats. This increase in activity is associated with principally one cholesterol ester, namely, cholesterol arachidonate. The serum cholesterol esters and phosphatidyl choline of fasted rats contain a higher proportion of arachidonic acid and less linoleic acid than those of fed animals. The findings indicate that the types of cholesterol esters synthesized by the serum enzyme are dependent, in part, on the nutritional state of the animal.