The effect of exogenous L-carnitine on biochemical parameters in serum and in heart of the hyperlipidaemic rat.
In previous experiments we have demonstrated that L-carnitine administration is capable of reducing olive oil-induced lipidaemia in the rat. In the present study we determined the effect of L-carnitine on the levels of (acyl)carnitines in heart and serum in addition to its effect on serum levels of lipids and ketone bodies after olive oil gavage feeding. L-carnitine was found to reduce the level of myocardial long-chain acylcarnitine which was increased by the olive oil treatment. It also increased the levels of carnitine and acid soluble acylarnitines in both heart and serum. L-carnitine administration caused a clearcut decrease of olive oil-induced lipidaemia and ketonaemia. These effects of added L-carnitine strongly suggest that the stimulation of the beta-oxidation in the mitochondria (at the expense of extra mitochondrial triglycerceride synthesis) is suboptimal after fat loading.
Maccari
F
F
Biological Research Labs., Sigma Tau, Pomezia, Rome, Italy.
Arseni
A
A
Chiodi
P
P
Ramacci
M T
MT
Angelucci
L
L
D000818:Animals; D002331:Carnitine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils; D002331:Carnitine