EFFECTS OF INTRALIPID INFUSION ON RAT SERUM-LIPOPROTEINS

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects of continuo us lntralipid(R) infusions on serum HDL and LDL levels in the rat. Mal e Fischer 344 rats were infused continuously via central venous cathet er with 10% Intralipid(R) for 96 h and 5, or 2.5% Intralipid for 14 da ys. Blood samples were collected during the infusion period for total serum cholesterol, HDL-, and LDL-cholesterol measurements. Food intake was monitored during the studies. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly elevated following 96 h of infusion with 10% Intralipid with food intake significantly decreas ed compared to a control group. In a second experiment, animals receiv ed a continuous infusion of either 5% Intralipid, 2.5% Intralipid or 0 .45% saline for 14 days. Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-ch olesterol were significantly elevated following 14 days of infusion wi th 5% Intralipid group compared to controls but food intake remained c onstant for 12 days with no evident toxicity.