Serum lipoproteins in rats bearing Morris hepatomas of different degrees of differentiation.

Serum lipoproteins were measured by ultracentrifugal means in rats bearing hepatomas of different degrees of malignancy (Morris hepatomas 16, 5123TC and 7777) to determine the effect of these hepatomas on serum lipoprotein levels. Serum lipoprotein patterns were altered, especially in rats bearing hepatomas 16 and 7777, which had elevated high-density lipoproteins. (They were not elevated in serum of rats bearing hepatoma 5123TC). This increase in high-density lipoproteins seems to be specific for chemically induced hepatomas since HDL2 is usually decreased in humans and animals with types of cancer not involving the liver. It appears that hepatomas can synthesize lipoproteins, and the serum levels of the host rats are altered depending on the hepatoma. Different biochemistries appear to be associated with each hepatoma. Cholesterol and fatty acid levels of unfractionated serum and of isolated lipoproteins also indicate abnormal lipid/lipoprotein metabolism associated with these hepatomas.