Cholesterol synthesis in the lactating cow: Induced expression of candidate genes

HMG-CoA-reductase and FDFT showed a huge expression increase until week 2 post-partum (p < 0.01), most probably in response to the new requirements in the mammary gland. As well, and as a possible explanation for such modifications, an increase in the expression of the regulators SREBP1 and Scap was observed (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 respectively). Most important, the whole synthesis machinery showed a coordinated regulation, as highly significant positive correlations were found between the expression levels of the above mentioned enzymes (p < 0.01). The increase of milk and blood cholesterol levels in B. taurus after parturition might be the result of a coordinated induction in the expression of key liver enzymes and their regulating factors.