The effect of portacaval anastomosis on plasma lipoprotein metabolism in rats.

1. The effect of portacaval anastomosis on the metabolism of plasma lipoproteins was investigated in rats. 2. When compared with sham-operated pair-fed controls, plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was decreased, plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration was increased and plasma total cholesterol concentration was unchanged in the portacaval anastomosis rats. Maximal incorporation of [14C]leucine into the total circulating mass of protein was decreased in the very low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein fractions and, possibly, in the low density lipoprotein fraction, but there was no change in maximal incorporation into albumin. It is concluded that portacaval anastomosis diminishes the rate of synthesis of high density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein proteins and, possibly, of low density lipoprotein proteins.