Serum Lipoproteins in Experimental Diabetes. I. Serum Lipoprotein Pattern of Normal and Depancreatized Dogs. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1) Serum lipoproteins of normal and depancreatized dogs have been studied by means of zone electrophoresis on filter paper. 2) Dog serum contains 3 main groups of lipoprotein fractions: a fast-migrating albumin-α-globulin group, a slow-migrating β-globulin group and a β₂-γ-globulin group which does not migrate at all. 3) The bulk of serum lipids is carried by the albumin-α-globulin fractions and only a small amount by the β-globulins. This is the opposite of what happens in normal man. 4) Serum of depancreatized dogs under insulin control contains more total cholesterol and total lipid P than normal serum. The cholesterol/lipid P ratio is increased. There is a tendency for an increase in amount of the slower migrating components of albumin-α-globulin fraction at the expense of the faster ones. 5) Withdrawal of insulin is followed by an immediate uniform increase of all lipoprotein fractions. As decompensation sets in, the β-globulin fraction increases out of proportion with other fractions. Thus, in decompensated diabetic dogs, as in man, the β-globulin fraction becomes the principal carrier of serum lipids. 6) The possible significance of these findings is discussed.