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Biochemical and ultrastructural analysis of. beta. -VLDL and AC-LDL metabolism by pigeon monocyte-derived macrophages in culture

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6905441

It is proposed that monocyte-derived foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions of White Carneau pigeons become lipid-filled through the uptake of lipoproteins including ..beta..-migrating very low density lipoproteins (..beta..-VLDL) and acetylated low density lipoproteins (Ac-LDL). Using iodinated forms of the above lipoproteins, specific and saturable receptors for both ..beta..-VLDL and Ac-LDL were detected on the surface of White Carneau pigeon monocyte-derived macrophages in culture. Competition studies demonstrated the high degree of binding specificity for /sup 125/I-Ac-LDL. Likewise, binding of /sup 125/I-..beta..-VLDL to its receptor was significantly inhibited by excess ..beta..-VLDL, however LDL from both hyper- and normocholesterolemic pigeons were also recognized by the receptor. Upon binding of ..beta..-VLDL and Ac-LDL to their respective receptors, the lipoproteins were rapidly internalized and delivered to intracellular sites of degradation. As measured by the amount of /sup 14/C-oleate incorporated into cholesteryl /sup 14/C-oleate, the cholesterole liberated from the degradation of both ..beta..-VLDL and Ac-LDL stimulated cholesteryl ester synthesis in the pigeon cells. Using lipoproteins conjugated to colloidal gold of visualization with transmission electron microscopy, a major difference in the binding and uptake properties of ..beta..-VLDL-Gold and Ac-LDL-Gold was documented.

Research Organization:
Wake Forest Univ., Winston-Salem, NC (USA)
OSTI ID:
6905441
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English