Dietary cholesterol lowers the activity of butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8), but elevates that of esterase-1 (EC 3.1.1.1) in plasma of rats.

The question addressed is whether an increased intake of cholesterol affects esterase-1 (EC 3.1.1.1; ES-1) and butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) activity in plasma. Rats were fed on a purified diet either without or with cholesterol (10 g/kg) added at the expense of the carbohydrate source. Dietary cholesterol significantly decreased plasma butyrylcholinesterase activity, but raised plasma ES-1 activity. Evidence is discussed, suggesting that plasma butyrylcholinesterase is involved in plasma cholesterol metabolism, whereas esterase-1 is involved in intestinal cholesterol absorption.