Lipotropic factors and the fatty liver produced by feeding cholesterol.

The excessive deposition of liver lipids which is produced in rats by feeding diets containing cholesterol is inhibited by choline and betaine (Best & Ridout, 1933; Best, Channon & Ridout, 1934). Choline was shown to affect both glycerides and cholesteryl esters but deposition of the former was inhibited more than that of the latter. .Many preventive and curative experiments were subsequently reported and the results were in general agreement with those of the earlier investigations. In the early studies no evidence of any significant waning inthe lipotropic effect of cholinewas observed with or without cholesterol in the diet (Best & Ridout, 1936). Himsworth & Glynn (1944), however, report that this occurs in cholesterol-fed rabbits under certain experimental conditions. Furthermore, it has been stated by McHenry & Patterson (1944) that inositol but not choline has a definite effect on cholesterol metabolism. It became evident, therefore, that further studies were necessary to determine (a) the relative lipotropic effects of choline and inositol, and (b) the duration of the action of these agents when fed separately and in combination. These problems have been reinvestigated in cholesterol-fed rats observed for periods up to 16 weeks. The effectiveness of choline in preventing