AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 247, Issue 5 494-G501, Copyright © 1984 by American Physiological Society
Localization of cholesterol synthesis in the small intestine of diabetic rats
K. R. Feingold and A. H. Moser
Previous studies have demonstrated that cholesterol synthesis is increased
twofold in the small intestine of diabetic animals. The present study
demonstrates that the stimulation of small intestinal cholesterol synthesis
by diabetes is a generalized phenomenon occurring in all segments of the
small intestine. Quantitatively, in control animals the proximal two
segments of the small intestine account for the majority of the total small
intestinal cholesterol synthesis, whereas in the diabetic animals, because
of the generalized stimulation in cholesterogenesis, the contribution of
the terminal segments to total small intestinal cholesterol synthesis is of
increased importance. The various manipulations that regulate cholesterol
synthesis in the small intestine of diabetic animals also affect
cholesterol synthesis in all portions of the small intestine. In diabetic
animals cholesterol feeding and the limitation of food intake decrease
cholesterol synthesis in the total small intestine and in all segments of
the small intestine. Conversely, colestipol feeding increases cholesterol
synthesis in all segments of the small intestine. These results demonstrate
that, despite the obvious structural, functional, and environmental
differences among the various segments of the small intestine, the
stimulation of cholesterol synthesis that occurs secondary to diabetes
mellitus is a generalized phenomenon. Similarly, the factors that regulate
small intestinal cholesterol synthesis do so in a generalized manner.
