Circadian rhythm of serum and lymph apolipoprotein AIV in ad libitum-fed and fasted rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine if there is a circadian rhythm in serum and lymph apolipoprotein (apo) AIV and what factors determine this rhythm. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with chronic right atrial catheter were housed in a room illuminated from 0600 to 1800. With ad libitum feeding, serum apo AIV concentration showed a circadian rhythm concomitant with the feeding pattern. In 24-h fasted rats, the serum apo AIV concentration maintained a circadian rhythm and was high during the dark. With mesenteric lymph diversion, serum apo AIV concentration diminished and the circadian rhythm was abolished. The lymph flow, lymph apo AIV, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and phospholipid contents all exhibited the same circadian rhythm in fasting, with the levels higher in the dark. These circadian rhythms were abolished after bile diversion. In conclusion, serum apo AIV in ad libitum-fed and fasted rats exhibits a circadian rhythm governed by lymph apo AIV output. Furthermore, bile was an important determinant of the circadian rhythm of lymph flow, lymph apo AIV, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and phospholipid output.