Hexose monophosphate shunt and cholesterogenesis in lead-induced kidney hyperplasia.

De novo cholesterol synthesis and hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt were studied in rat kidney stimulated to proliferate by a single administration of lead nitrate. Lead-treated rat kidneys showed an increase in DNA synthesis, as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation starting at 18 h and with a maximum at 24 h. Renal DNA synthesis was preceded by an increase in de novo cholesterol synthesis and an enhancement in the activity of the HMP shunt, as indicated by increased activity of G6PDH and 6PGDH. These findings indicate that enhancement of cholesterol synthesis and of the HMP shunt is closely associated with the active proliferative process induced in the kidney by treatment with lead nitrate.