Factors influencing lipid levels and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransfer in plasma of the lizard, Tropidurus torquatos

Abstract

1. 1. Lipid concentrations and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity in the plasma Tropidurus torquatos were remarkably variable. 2. 2. Both lipid levels and LCAT activity were highest for lizards collected during the early rainy season (March–April) than during other seasons, and were higher for females than for males. 3. 3. Plasma lipid levels and LCAT activity were significantly and inversely correlated with body weight (age) of male lizards, this being associated with an apparent change to an herbivorous diet in older males. 4. 4. During prolonged fasting, plasma lipid levels and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransfer (LCAT) and hepatic phospholipids were markedly reduced. 5. 5. LCAT activity in plasma of fasted and non-fated lizards was significantly correlated with the molar proportion of PC to UC, suggesting that the apparent low LCAT in plasma of fasted lizards is partly due to depletion of PC in the lipoprotein substrates.