Failure of bile acids to control hepatic cholesterogenesis: evidence for endogenous cholesterol feedback

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Abstract

Studies were undertaken to define the role of bile acids in the control of hepatic cholesterogenesis from acetate. Both biliary diversion and biliary obstruction increase the rate of sterol synthesis by the liver 2.5- to 3-fold. After biliary diversion, however, the bile acid content of the liver is decreased, whereas after biliary obstruction, it is markedly increased. Thus, there is no relationship between the tissue content of bile acid and the rate of hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Furthermore, restoration of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acid in animals with biliary diversion fails to prevent the rise in synthetic activity seen after this manipulation. These data indicate that bile acid plays no direct inhibitory role in the regulation of cholesterol synthesis by the liver.

Authors

Hans J. Weis, John M. Dietschy