1988 Volume 16 Issue 1 Pages 17-21
Alterations of apolipoprotein levels in serum and pleural effusion in a newborn with idiopathic chylothorax were examined particularly focusing on apo A-IV and apo B-48. When he was treated with MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) milk, the pleural effusion containing chylomicrons was disappeared by the 14th hospital day. MCT has been known to be triglyceride comprising of mediumchain fatty acids (C8-C12) and to be absorbed directly into the portal vein without chylomicron formation in intestinal cells.
Serum apo A-IV level decreased in the period of receiving only 5%glucose solution, whereas it restored to the normal range after administration of MCT milk. In addition, apo A-IV level in the pleural effusion altered in the same manner as that in serum, indicating that apo A-IV i s synthesized in the intestine during absorption of MCT.
On the other hand, apo B-48/total apo B ratio in the d<1.006 fraction in the pleural effusion decreased during administration of the MCT milk, suggesting that the synthesis and/or secretion of apo B-48 is relatively suppressed during absorption of MCT.
