INCREASED LECITHINASE ACTIVITY AFTER HEPARIN ADMINISTRATION

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Abstract
The increased lecithinase as well as lipase activity of post‐heparin plasma in comparison with native plasma subjected to incubation is reported. The enzymatic action gives rise to a further increased formation of lysolecithin, a concomitant diminution of lecithin and triglycerides with an appreciable liberation of fatty acids. In spite of the presence in abundance of free fatty acids no further esterification of free cholesterol takes place, in contrast to the considerable decrease of free cholesterol by transesterification from the enzymatically split lecithin when pre‐heparin plasma is subjected to incubation. Possibly an esterification “threshold level” exists in this respect. The effect of a single heparin injection on the lipid metabolism will last for about 3–4 h.Based on the available data from this report and earlier findings the possibility is discussed whether or not the clearing of lipemic plasma can be explained by the consecutive action of a lecithinase and a lipase, the first enzyme transferring the stabilizing surface layer of the chylomicra consisting of phospholipids and cholesterol into a more or less water‐soluble form, and thereafter the second enzyme can act directly on the chylomicron content of triglycerides. An experimental approach to in vitro clearing of lipemic plasma by the two enzyme systems from extraneous sources is discussed.

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