Variation of serum lipoprotein during cell proliferation induced by lead nitrate

In the present study serum lipoproteins were investigated during cell proliferation induced by a potent mitogen, lead nitrate. A strong decrease in HDL sub(2) and a concomitant increase in HDL sub(3) were observed in lead-treated rats. The recovery of normal lipoprotein pattern took place together with the regression of hyperplastic process. Since a decrease in HDL also occurs under other conditions of cell growth, we hypothesize that a decrease in HDL, mainly in HDL sub(2) subfraction, may represent a generalized phenomenon related to massive cell proliferation.