Effect of acute hyperinsulinaemia on cholesteryl ester transfer protein expression in rabbits

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 4-h hyperinsulina emic-euglycemic clamp on cholesteryl eater transfer protein (CETP) activity in the plasma and CETP expression in the liver and adipose tissue of rabbi ts. Plasma glucose levels were similar in the insulin- and saline-infused c ontrols, but insulin levels were significantly higher in the insulin-infuse d rabbits than the controls. CETP activity increased significantly after 15 min, and remained at that level for 4 h in the insulin-treated animals com pared to the saline-treated controls. Although CETP-specific mRNA was highe r (25%) in the insulin-infused rabbits: compared to control rabbits, this d ifference was not statistically significant. These results suggest that ins ulin may stimulate the release of CETP from cellular pools and the rate of transcription, particularly in liver. Med Sci Res 27:21-23 (C) 1999 Lippinc ott Williams & Wilkins.