Effect of Cholestyramine on Low-Density Lipoprotein

To the Editor: The demonstration by Shepherd et al. in the May 29 issue of the pathway of catabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) after cholestyramine administration was excellent experimental work. However, I doubt that it is entirely correct to suggest that the changes in LDL are the direct result of cholestyramine therapy, as in the statement, "Consequently, cholestyramine lowers plasma LDL by promoting its fractional catabolism." It appears more likely that the bile acid sequestrants affect LDL metabolism only indirectly, by removing the cholesterol burden from the blood; this effect would result in a decreased need for the LDL carrier, . . . No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words.