Probucol Promotes Hepatic Uptake of High Density Lipoprotein in Rats

Probucol significantly reduced high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI in rats. Hepatic uptake of radiolabelled human HDL3 increased significantly in vivo and in the isolated perfused rat liver preparation. In vivo, uptake of HDL3 by the adrenal glands also increased significantly. Hepatic cholesterol content in probucol-treated rats tended to increase, whereas newly synthesised cholesterol decreased significantly. The results of the present study suggest that enhanced uptake of HDL is one of the mechanisms of lowering serum HDL with probucol treatment.