The influence of reticuloendothelial stimulation on the response of rats to dietary cholesterol

Abstract

The influence of zymosan, and of various chemical fractions obtained from the yeast cell wall, on lipid alterations induced by the feeding of a cholesterol-cholate diet to rats was studied. Intravenous administration of zymosan produced pronounced stimulation and hyperplasia of the reticuloendothelial system, and a reduction in hepatic and plasma accumulation of ester cholesterol. Oral administration of zymosan was ineffective. Glucan, and other fractions derived from zymosan that stimulated the reticuloendothelial system, significantly inhibited dietary-induced hepatic cholesterosis. The results are indicative of a relationship between the functional activity of the reticuloendothelial system and cholesterol metabolism.