Changes in Plasma Lipids and Lipoproteins in Macaca nemestrina during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period 1

Abstract

Summary

Plasma lipid concentrations and the relative distribution of lipoprotein fractions were examined in pregnant and postpartum female M. nemestrina while the animals consumed a control diet of Monkey Chow and again after the animals had consumed a diet of Monkey Chow-cholesterol-lard for 4 1/2 months. Plasma HDL-chol concentrations decreased dramatically during the first 65 days of pregnancy and remained at a low level until parturition when there was a rapid increase to the level maintained throughout the postpartum period. Plasma LDL + VLDL-chol concentrations increased slightly only in the latter days of pregnancy and did not change after parturition. Dietary challenge caused an increase in TPC and LDL + VLDL-chol concentrations, but did not override the changes in HDL-chol concentrations caused by pregnancy. Plasma TG concentrations increased during the latter stages of pregnancy and were affected by diet only during the postpartum period. The net result of the lipoprotein changes during pregnancy was for the LDL to HDL ratio to increase significantly as a result of the decrease in HDL concentrations.

The authors are grateful for the advice and support of Drs. Richard W. St. Clair, Orville A. Smith, and Gerald A. Blakely. Our appreciation also goes to Mr. Timothy Beamer and Mrs. Catherine S. Butler for their technical contributions and to Mrs. Linda Trust for her assistance in preparing the manuscript.