The effect of Δ7-cholestenol feeding on the cholesterol and lipoproteins of rabbit serum.

Abstract 1. 1.When Δ 7 -cholestenol is fed to rabbits there is produced a rise in the various classes of low-density serum lipoproteins. The lipoprotein “pattern” is qualitatively the same as that observed after feeding cholesterol. 2. 2. Δ 7 -Cholestenol produces a striking rise in serum cholesterol, and about the same levels are reached as are observed on feeding cholesterol itself. The sterols of the serum after this feeding show a maximum of about 12% of Δ 7 -cholestenol. 3. 3. Δ 7 -Cholestenol and cholesterol produce an additive effect on the levels of serum lipoproteins when fed simultaneously. 4. 4. Five per cent of the serum sterols is Δ 7 -cholestenol at the end of 1 week of feeding both this sterol and cholesterol. At the end of 2 weeks the Δ 7 -cholestenol falls almost to zero in spite of continued feeding of both sterols.