Abstract
K-31, a proved hypocholesterolemic agent, was studied about its effect on the metabolism as well as biosynthesis of cholesterol in rats using 14C-labeled cholesterol and acetate. K-31 increased the recoveries of 14C in the 2nd day's bile and feces in rats injected [4-14C] cholesterol. Addition of K-31 as hydrochloric acid salt solution to the liver homogenates from normal rats did not affect the incorporation of [1-14C] acetate into cholesterol. However, increased cholesterogenesis was observed in the liver homogenates from rats fed 0.5% K-31 in diet for 21 days. K-31 significantly enhanced hepatic cholesterogenesis in intact rats. Increased hepaticcholesterogenesis restored to control levels by the withdrawal of the feeding of K-31. Thus, the hypocholesterolemic action of K-31 was considered to depend on the inhibition of the intestinal cholesterol absorption with increasing excretion of cholestrol into bile and feces.
