Cholesterol esterification and lipids in blood plasma of the char (Salmo alpinus L.) during sexual maturation.

1. The initial rate of cholesterol esterification and the concentration of triacylglycerols in plasma were generally lower in prespawning than in immature chars. No typical pattern of variation of plasma cholesterol could be observed. 2. The observed variations in plasma cholesterol esterification and lipids may be caused by reduced feeding in the prespawning period. 3. The initial rate of cholesterol esterification in plasma was positively correlated with the concentrations of triacylglycerols and unesterified cholesterol in plasma, respectively.