Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity in cholesterol fed rabbits.

Cholesterol, phospholipid and lipid peroxide levels in plasma and erythrocytes as well as membrane-bound (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity were determined in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet for 3 months. While cholesterol feeding caused an increase in lipid peroxide levels, (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity was found to be reduced. According to this, we can assume that, in high-cholesterol fed rabbits, elevated lipid peroxides may be one of the responsible factors for the decreased erythrocyte (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity.