Effect of clofibrate on the phospholipid biosynthesis in rat liver.

The effect of clofibrate on rat liver phospholipid biosynthesis was studied using 32P as a precursor. Phospholipid classes, levels and specific radioactivity were evaluated. Significant increases in levels of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine were found and could account for the observed increase in total phospholipids. Specific activity of phosphatidylserine increased and that of phosphatidylethanolamine decreased. This fact suggests that clofibrate seems to alter the systems engaged in the transformation occurring within the different classes of phospholipids but not the de novo biosynthesis.