Paradoxical Increase in Rate of Catabolism of Low-Density Lipoproteins after Hepatectomy

It has been suggested that the liver may be a major site for irreversible degradation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The disappearance of autologous (125)I-labeled LDL from plasma was compared in intact and in hepatectomized swine. Contrary to expectations, the rate of irreversible removal of LDL from plasma was increased rather then decreased by hepatectomy. These studies suggest that the liver is not a major site for LDL removal. We propose further that the liver (or some function requiring an intact liver) may affect the metabolism of LDL in a manner that prolongs its lifetime in the plasma compartment.