Skin Sterols VII. Removal of Δ 7 -Cholestenol from Blood of Rats. ∗

Summary

1. Δ⁷-Cholestenol or its acetate injected into the blood stream of the rat disappeared rapidly, less than half remaining in blood after 2 hours. At this time 34% of the injected Δ⁷-cholestenol was found in the lungs, spleen, and liver; 26% remained in these organs after 24 hours. 2. A substantial portion of the Δ⁷-cholestenol remaining was in the ester form. Injected Δ⁷-cholestenol acetate disappeared without any corresponding accumulation of free sterol. 3. Administration of free Δ⁷-sterol resulted in transient increases in the cholesterol content of blood, liver, lungs, and spleen. No comparable increases followed the injection of Δ⁷-cholestenol acetate.