Fig. 2.

a-b Quantitative analysis of VLDL, LDL and HDL contents (a) and different-sized LDL fractions (b). Plasma lipoproteins (at 8 weeks) were fractionated according to their size by HPLC and lipid contents of each fraction were quantified as described in the Methods. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. n = 5 for each group. **P < 0.01 or *P < 0.05 vs. the control group. c-d Analysis of hepatic VLDL synthesis and MTTP expression. Post-Triton VLDL production rate in fasting rabbits at 8 weeks after HFFD or chow diet feeding was measured. Blood was drawn at 0 minutes (before administration of Triton WR-1339) and 2, 4 and 6 hours after Triton WR-1339 injection. Triglyceride contents of total plasma (C, top) and VLDLs (d <1.006 g/mL) (C, bottom) were quantified. Hepatic mRNA expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR (D). Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. n = 5 for each group. *P < 0.05 vs. the control group