EFFECT OF CHOLESTEROL FEEDING ON THE METABOLISM OF RABBIT CEREBRAL MICROVESSELS

The metabolic activity and morphology of intracerebral microvessels obtained from normal and cholesterol-fed rabbits were studied and the results compared with those of aortic tissue obtained from the same animal. The rate of conversion of glucose to CO2 and lactic acid was similar with both 1-14C- and 6-14C-labeled glucose in both the microvessels and aortic segments although a relatively greater metabolism to lactic acid was present in the aorta. Cholesterol feeding did not produce any changes in glucose metabolism or in the ultrastructure of microvessels despite marked hyperlipidemia. In contrast, marked metabolic changes in aortic tissue were observed including: a two- to threefold increase in the production of 14CO2 and lactic acid from labeled glucose; and a 20-fold increase both in cholesterol content and incorporation of [1-14C]oleate into cholesteryl ester. The results clearly indicate the contrasting metabolic activity and response to cholesterol feeding between cerebral microvessels and arterial tissue. © 1979.