Localization of cholesterol synthesis in the small intestine of diabetic rats.

Previous studies have demonstrated that cholesterol synthesis is increased twofold in the small intestine of diabetic animals. The present study demonstrates that the stimulation of small intestinal cholesterol synthesis by diabetes is a generalized phenomenon occurring in all segments of the small intestine. Quantitatively, in control animals the proximal two segments of the small intestine account for the majority of the total small intestinal cholesterol synthesis, whereas in the diabetic animals, because of the generalized stimulation in cholesterogenesis, the contribution of the terminal segments to total small intestinal cholesterol synthesis is of increased importance. The various manipulations that regulate cholesterol synthesis in the small intestine of diabetic animals also affect cholesterol synthesis in all portions of the small intestine. In diabetic animals cholesterol feeding and the limitation of food intake decrease cholesterol synthesis in the total small intestine and in all segments of the small intestine. Conversely, colestipol feeding increases cholesterol synthesis in all segments of the small intestine. These results demonstrate that, despite the obvious structural, functional, and environmental differences among the various segments of the small intestine, the stimulation of cholesterol synthesis that occurs secondary to diabetes mellitus is a generalized phenomenon. Similarly, the factors that regulate small intestinal cholesterol synthesis do so in a generalized manner.