Find in Library

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.