Effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the catabolism of chylomicron triacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester in the rat.

Rats were fed for 24 days a liquid diet with ethanol as 36% of calories to produce hyperlipemia and hepatic steatosis. The catabolism of chylomicrons doubly-labeled in the triacylglycerol and cholesteryl ester moieties was studied in conscious rats after ingestion of their usual liquid diets with or without ethanol. A constant intravenous infusion of chylomicrons revealed a defect in chylomicron catabolism after chronic treatment with ethanol. The plasma clearance of chylomicron cholesteryl ester was impaired to a greater extent than clearance of chylomicron triacylglycerol. These findings are consistent with defective catabolism of chylomicron remnants, and suggest that the accumulation of chylomicron remnants in the plasma contributes to the development of increased post-prandial hyperlipemia and chronic hyperlipemia in association with excessive ethanol consumption.