In vitro esterification of plant sterols by the esterifying enzyme of the small intestine of rat.

The in vitro esterification of plant sterols, beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol, by the esterifying enzyme of the small intestine of rat was studied in the presence of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Campesterol esterification was highest, followed by sitosterol and stigmasterol irrespective of the type of fatty acid. Both campesterol and sitosterol esterification was greater with unsaturated fatty acids than with saturated fatty acids.