Lipid metabolism in plasma, liver, and adipose tissue of rats with experimental chronic nephrotic syndrome.

Plasma, liver, and adipose tissue lipid composition and synthesis from [1-14C] acetate were studied three months following induction of nephrotic syndrome in rats by injection of antiglomerular basement membrane protein. Plasma triglyceride concentrations and specific radioactivities were elevated, and the triglycerides contained increased proportions of oleic acid. Plasma cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations were also increased, but free fatty acid levels were not. Liver triglyceride concentrations were decreased and incorporation of [1-14] acetate into liver triglycerides was also depressed below that of normal controls. Nephrotic rat liver triglycerides contained a higher proportion of oleic acid and lower arachidonic acid than did controls. Incorporation of [1-14C] acetate into adipose tissue lipids of the nephrotic rats was increased, and the proportion of palmitic acid was decreased. In the chronic nephrotic rat, the major source of the increased plasma triglycerudes may be fatty acids mobilized from adipose tissue stores.