Copper-induced hypercholesterolemia of golden hamsters: enhanced synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.

Effects of a subtoxic dose of copper on cholesterol metabolism were studied in male golden hamsters. Intraperitoneal injections of cupric acetate increased serum levels of cholesterol and phospholipids without liver damage. This lipidemia was associated with increased cholesterol of the liver. The participation of hemolysis was denied by peripheral red blood cell tests. Hepatic microsomal 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase was also elevated by copper administration. Biliary secretion of cholesterol increased but that of bile acids remained unchanged, suggesting no impaired degradation of cholesterol. We conclude that hepatic synthesis of cholesterol is enhanced by a subtoxic dose of copper, resulting in hypercholesterolemia.