Noradrenalin-induced increase in hepatic cholesterol synthesis and its blockade by puromycin

Abstract

Noradrenalin administration is shown to result in an increased cholesterol synthesis by rat liver slices. The increase does not occur until 12 h after the injection of noradrenalin, however. Noted at earlier time intervals are increased conversion of acetate to CO 2 and ketone bodies and decreased conversion to fatty acid. The delayed increase in cholesterol synthesis suggests that enzyme induction may be a major mechanism underlying this control. Concomitant administration of puromycin with the noradrenalin abolished the increased cholesterol formation, thereby supporting the hypothesis of enzyme induction.