Effects of compactin (ML-236 B) on biliary lipid composition and cholesterol catabolism in the hamster

The effects of compactin (ML-236 B) administration on bile saturation and on the activity of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase, acylCoA cholesterol acyl transferase and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase were studied in hamsters fed either a standard or a lithogenic diet. In control animals, treatment with this compound resulted in a stimulation of HMG-CoA reductase associated with supersaturation of the bile. Hypercholesterolemic hamsters in which compactin reduced plasma cholesterol levels responded to the treatment with a decrease of both HMG-CoA reductase and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activities. Supersaturation of the bile induced by the lithogenic diet was not modified by compactin.