Lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity and cholestyramine resin therapy in man.

The effect of the bile-acid-sequestering agent cholestyramine on esterification of plasma cholesterol has been studied in vitro. No change in the activity of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase was found by either of the two assay methods employed. Similarly the resin did not produce any significant change in the ability of plasma to act as substrate for a given lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase source. It is concluded that the frequently reported relationship between plasma cholesterol concentration and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity does not represent cause and effect. Also other variables influenced by bile-acid-sequestering agents, such as hepatic cholesterol synthesis, are unlikely to be major determinants of plasma lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity.