| Abstract: | Two vertebrate hypocholesterolemic agents (triparanol and 22,25-diazacholesterol) block the conversion of beta-sitosterol to cholesterol in the larva of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (Johannson). A primary site of inhibitory action is the terminal step in this conversion-the reduction of desmosterol (24-dehydrocholesterol) to cholesterol. This is also the site at which these compounds inhibit de novo cholesterol biosynthesis in higher animals. Both agents severely inhibit growth and maturation of the tobacco hornworm. |
