Synthesis and secretion of lipoproteins by human hepatocytes in culture

Summary Confluent monolayers of normal human hepatocytes obtained by collagenase perfusion of liver pragments were incubated in a serum-free medium. Intracellular apolipoproteins apo AI, apo C, apo B, and apo E were detected between Day 1 and Day 6 of the culture by immunoenzymatic staining using polyclonal antibodies directed against these apoproteins and monoclonal antibodies directed against both forms of apo B (B100 and B48). Translation of mRNA isolated from these hepatocytes in an acellular system revealed that apo AI and apo E were synthesized as the precusor forms of mature plasma apo AI and apo E. Three lipoprotein fractions corresponding to the density of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were isolated from the medium at Day 5 of culture and examined by electron microscopy after negative staining. VLDL and LDL particles are similar in size and shape to plasma lipoproteins; spherical HDL are larger than normal plasma particles isolated at the same density. Their protein represented 44, 19.5, and 36.5% respectively, of the total lipoprotein protein. The secretion rate of VLDL protein corresponded to that measured in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. After incorporation of [³H]glycerol, more than 92% of the [³H]triglyceride secreted into the medium was recovered in the VLDL fraction. These results demonstrate that primary cultures of normal human hepatocytes are able to synthesize and secrete lipoproteins and thus could be a useful model to study lipoprotein metabolism in human liver.     

Nascent lipoproteins from recirculating and nonrecirculating liver perfusions and from the hepatic Golgi apparatus of African green monkeys

Perfusate apoB-100-containing lipoproteins from the isolated, perfused livers of African green monkeys consist of significant amounts of d greater than 1.006 g/ml particles in addition to very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Distinguishing characteristics of these perfusate lipoproteins are the relative abundance of surface lipids and deficiency of core lipids. The present studies were performed to determine the likelihood that the d greater than 1.006 g/ml perfusate lipoproteins are secretion products instead of products of post-secretory modification (e.g., lipolysis) of secreted VLDL. [14C]Leucine from the perfusate became incorporated into the apoB of each of the perfusate lipoprotein classes to a similar extent in both recirculating and nonrecirculating perfusions. When endogenously radiolabeled perfusate VLDL from one liver was recirculated through a second liver, only about 15% of the radiolabeled protein appeared in the d greater than 1.006 g/ml fraction. The particle morphology and the cholesterol and apoB distribution between VLDL and d greater than 1.006 g/ml fractions were similar in recirculating and nonrecirculating perfusions. A Golgi apparatus-rich fraction was isolated from the homogenates of fresh liver samples and the isolated Golgi VLDL and d greater than 1.006 g/ml lipoproteins exhibited morphologic evidence of extra surface material analogous to that seen in perfusate. Taken together, these data support the possibility that significant amounts of d greater than 1.006 g/ml lipoproteins, many with surface-rich properties, are nascent, secretory products of the primate liver. The low level of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in this perfusion system appears to permit detection of these secretion products and it is significant to note that the perfusate lipoprotein profile, which is unlike that of normal plasma, is similar to that of LCAT-deficient patients.     

Isolation and properties of nascent lipoproteins from highly purified rat hepatocytic Golgi fractions

Two procedures were used to isolate hepatocytic Golgi fractions from rat liver. One procedure yields a light Golgi fraction (GF1 + 2) and the other "intact" stacks of cisternae. Triglyceride fatty acids in nascent very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were labeled by injection of [3H]palmitate intravenously, and radiolabeled lipoproteins were injected as markers of potentially contaminating endosomes. GF1 + 2 fractions were enriched manyfold in the endosomal markers, indicative of substantial endosomal contamination, whereas intact Golgi fractions from the same livers were about 7% as contaminated. By electron microscopy, GF1 + 2 fractions contained mainly multivesicular bodies (MVBs), together with some Golgi-derived secretory vesicles. The small endosomal contamination of intact Golgi fractions was further reduced by a simple modification of the procedure, which removed most entrained endosomes. The surface constituents of Golgi VLDL (d less than 1.010 g/ml) released from these highly purified intact Golgi fractions differed from those of plasma VLDL. Golgi VLDL contained fivefold less unesterified cholesterol than plasma VLDL, but twofold more phospholipids. Golgi VLDL and plasma VLDL contained similar amounts of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. The protein content of Golgi VLDL was substantially lower than that of plasma VLDL. ApoB-100 and apoB-48 were similarly represented, but nascent VLDL contained less of the C apolipoproteins. ApoA-I was present mainly as the proprotein in Golgi VLDL, but was virtually lacking in plasma VLDL. ApoE comprised about 22% of the protein mass of Golgi VLDL as well as plasma VLDL; the distribution of apoE isoforms was also similar. Apolipoproteins E and pro A-I released from ruptured Golgi cisternae were largely bound to the Golgi VLDL or were associated with Golgi membranes. Particles resembling low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) were not seen by electron microscopy in contents of intact Golgi fractions. These observations indicate that nascent Golgi VLDL are the primary particulate precursors of rat plasma lipoproteins of hepatocytic origin, and suggest that particles with the density of plasma HDL and LDL do not exist within the secretory pathway of normal hepatocytes. Thus, the results of this research on the properties of nascent plasma lipoprotein precursors contained within uncontaminated hepatocytic Golgi fractions differ substantially from previous published work.     

Characterization of monoclonal anti-rabbit apolipoprotein E antibodies and chemical composition of lipoproteins separated by anti-apolipoprotein E immuno-affinity chromatography

Six mouse monoclonal antibodies against rabbit apolipoprotein E (apo E) have been developed. Of these monoclonal antibodies, clone 5 revealed a high affinity for purified apo E, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and beta-VLDL. This monoclonal antibody was used to prepare an immunoaffinity column. Coupled to Sepharose 4B, this antibody allowed complete removal of lipoproteins containing apo E from plasma of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits; 62, 46, 14, and 3% of VLDL-, IDL-, LDL-, and HDL-protein, respectively, were bound to the anti-apo E affinity column. The bound VLDL was significantly rich in free cholesterol (FC) and cholesteryl esters (CE) relative to the unbound VLDL, whereas bound IDL, LDL and HDL were significantly rich in FC only. All of the bound fractions were characterized by significantly increased ratios of FC/phospholipids (PL). These results indicate that the two lipoprotein populations with and without apo E have different lipid compositions. The relatively high content of cholesterol in lipoproteins containing apo E suggests a contribution of apo E to plasma cholesterol transport.     

Effects of the degree of saturation of dietary fat on the hepatic production of lipoproteins in the African green monkey

The cholesteryl ester content of plasma low density lipoproteins (LDL) in monkeys has previously been shown to be related to the rate of hepatic cholesterol secretion and cholesteryl ester content of newly secreted lipoproteins in the isolated perfused liver. In the present studies, African green monkeys were fed diets containing cholesterol and 40% of calories as either butter or safflower oil in order to determine the effects of saturated versus polyunsaturated dietary fat on hepatic lipoprotein secretion. The rate of cholesterol accumulation in liver perfusates was correlated with the size of the donor's plasma LDL, but for any rate, a smaller plasma LDL was found in donor animals of the safflower oil group than in those of the butter group. Hepatic very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were smaller in the safflower oil group but contained more cholesteryl ester and fewer triglyceride molecules per particle than those from the butter group. Livers from the safflower oil group contained more cholesteryl ester and less triglyceride than those from the butter group. The cholesteryl ester percentage composition of hepatic VLDL resembled that of the liver in each group. The data show that dietary polyunsaturated fat decreased plasma LDL size even though it increased the cholesteryl ester content of lipoproteins secreted by the liver. Therefore, intravascular formation of plasma LDL from hepatic precursor lipoproteins appears to include the removal of relatively greater amounts of cholesteryl esters from the precursor lipoproteins in polyunsaturated fat-fed animals.     

A comparative study of serum lipoproteins in rabbits fed a natural ingredient diet or low-fat, cholesterol-free, semipurified diets containing casein or isolated soy protein

In rabbits fed a cholesterol-free, semipurified diet containing isolated soy protein, the average total serum cholesterol level was similar to that of rabbits fed a natural ingredient (chow) diet. However, the cholesterol and protein levels in very low density (VLDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) tended to increase, while the levels in high density lipoproteins (HDL) were reduced to about half of those on the chow diet, with little change in the cholesterol to protein ratio. Substitution of casein for soy protein in the semipurified diet caused a four- to five-fold increase in total serum cholesterol and a doubling of lipoprotein protein, with an increase of 1.4- to 3.0-fold in the cholesterol to protein ratio of the different lipoprotein fractions. Analysis of the apoproteins (apo) of the plasma lipoproteins indicated that apo B, E, and C all tended to increase in the VLDL and LDL of rabbits fed the soy protein diet compared with those fed chow diet. The levels of each of the apoproteins were increased further by substituting casein for soy protein in the semipurified diet. In this case, apo E showed the greatest relative increase (2.7-fold) in VLDL, while apo B and E were increased to a similar extent (about 4-fold) in LDL. Apo C was approximately doubled in each of these fractions. The apo A content in HDL of rabbits fed the semipurified diets was about half that of rabbits fed chow diet. No marked changes were noted in the apo E or C content of HDL. Separation of isoforms of the soluble apoproteins showed variations between individual animals, but these variations seemed largely unrelated to diet. The results of these studies indicate that semipurified diets produce changes in the serum lipoprotein patterns of rabbits that are only partly due to the protein component of these diets.     

Metabolism of 125I-labeled lipoproteins by the isolated rat lung

The capacity of the isolated perfused rat lung to metabolize the protein moieties of serum lipoproteins was assessed using homologous (rat) and heterologous (human) plasma lipoproteins. The protein and lipid moieties of the plasma lipoproteins were labeled in vivo with Na[125I]. In selected cases the lipoprotein peptides were labeled in vivo with 14C- or 3H-labeled amino acids. Uptake of lipoprotein label during perfusion was monitored by measure of losses in perfusate label and by rises in pulmonary tissue labeling as shown by radioassay and by light and electron microscope radioautography. Lipoprotein degradation was assessed by fractionation of perfusate and lung tissue radioactive material into trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-isoluble, TCA-soluble, and ether-ethanol-soluble fractions. When heparin was included in the perfusion medium, there was selective degradation of the protein portion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the perfusate and concomitant uptake of radioactive label by the lungs. Low density lipoprotein (LDL)) was neither taken up nor catabolized by the isolated rat lung in the absence or presence of heparin. By light and electron microscopy, the label was localized over the interalveolar septa, predominantly the capillary endothelium. Disappearance of TCA-insoluble radioactivity from the perfusate was associated with the generation of both TCA-soluble iodide and noniodide radioactivity. Greater than 50% of the radioactive label taken up by the lungs was found in the delipidated TCA-insoluble fraction. This study provides in vitro evidence for pulmonary catabolism of VLDL apolipoproteins and uptake of peptide catabolic products of VLDL by the lung.     

Effects of estrogen administration on the lipoproteins and apoproteins of the chicken.

The plasma lipoproteins of estrogen-treated and untreated sexually immature hens have been compared with respect to their concentration in plasma, protein and lipid composition, particle size, and and apoprotein composition. Administration of diethylstilbestrol resulted in a 400-fold rise in the concentration of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), a 70-fold rise in low density lipoprotein (LDL), and a marked reduction in high density lipoprotein (HDL) protein. It also resulted in the production of LDL and HDL which were enriched in triacylglycerol, while the proportion of cholesterol in all three lipoprotein fractions decreased. In contrast to the lipoproteins from untreated birds, lipoproteins of density less than 1.06 g/ml from estrogen-treated birds were not clearly separable into discrete VLDL and LDL fractions, but appeared to be a single ultracentrifugal class. The apoprotein composition of VLDL and LDL from untreated birds differed from each other; however, the apoprotein patterns of VLDL and LDL from estrogen-treated birds were indistinguishable: both contained a large amount of low molecular weight protein in addition to the high molecular weight component that predominates in the untreated state. The apoprotein composition of HDL was also markedly altered by estrogen administration: the 28,000 mol. wt. protein (apo A-I) decreased in amount from 65% to less than 5% of the total, while a low molecular weight (Mr = 14,000) protein and as yet poorly defined high molecular weight components became predominant. These observations indicate that the hyperlipidemia induced by estrogen administration is accompanied by marked alterations, both qualitative and quantitative, in the plasma lipoproteins.     

Secretion of apolipoproteins in very low density and high density lipoproteins by perfused rat liver

The incorporation of labeled amino acids into the peptides of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) secreted by perfused rat liver was studied using a Ringer-albumin solution in the perfusate in place of serum to diminish exchange of peptides between VLDL and HDL. Among the lipoproteins, the greatest release of protein, greatest incorporation of amino acid, and highest specific activity were found in VLDL. After separation of the delipidated peptides by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel, the incorporation into VLDL peptides was found to be 5-10 times as great as into HDL peptides. There was virtually no incorporation into the peptides of low density lipoproteins (LDL). Approximately 25% of the radioactivity incorporated into perfusate VLDL failed to enter the 13% polyacrylamide gel. The remaining radioactivity was distributed primarily among three peptide bands; one, found in the upper portion of the gel, contained 45% of the total, most of the remainder being found in two rapidly migrating bands. These three peptides appear to approximate those of human apo-C in relative electrophoretic mobility. Most of the HDL peptide radioactivity entering the running gel was found in a band that migrates slightly faster than the main VLDL band. A portion of the radioactivity of this major HDL band did not enter the running gel unless beta-mercaptoethanol was present. Greater separation of these two bands by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for 24 hr confirmed that the major bands in VLDL and in HDL were different. The rapidly moving peptides of HDL were found to contain very little radioactivity. Determination of the intensity of staining of carrier-free perfusate VLDL and HDL peptides produced a pattern similar to the incorporation of labeled amino acids. It is concluded that the rapidly moving peptides, which may contain activators of lipoprotein lipase, are only secreted as part of the VLDL.     

The low density lipoprotein receptor prevents secretion of dense apoB100-containing lipoproteins from the liver

The assembly and secretion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) require microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). Recent evidence also suggests a role for the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor in this process. However, the relative importance of MTP in the two steps of VLDL assembly and the specific role of the LDL receptor still remain unclear. To further investigate the role of MTP and the LDL receptor in VLDL assembly, we bred mice harboring "floxed" Mttp alleles (Mttpflox/flox) and a Cre transgene on a low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient background to generate mice with double deficiency in the liver (Ldlr-/- MttpDelta/Delta). In contrast to the plasma of Ldlr+/+ MttpDelta/Delta mice, the plasma of Ldlr-/- MttpDelta/Delta mice contained apoB100. Accordingly, Ldlr-/- MttpDelta/Delta but not Ldlr+/+ MttpDelta/Delta hepatocytes secreted apoB100-containing lipoprotein particles. The secreted lipoproteins were of LDL and HDL sizes but no VLDL-sized lipoproteins could be detected. These findings indicate that hepatic LDL receptors function as "gatekeepers" targeting dense apoB100-containing lipoproteins for degradation. In addition, these results suggest that very low levels of MTP are insufficient to mediate the second step but sufficient for the first step of VLDL assembly.     

Estradiol-induced alteration of very-low-density lipoprotein assembly. Possible competition among apoproteins for incorporation into nascent very-low-density lipoprotein

The hypothesis that the apoprotein composition of nascent very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secreted by the hepatocyte is determined by the relative rates of apoprotein synthesis and their affinities of binding to VLDL was tested using chick hepatocytes in monolayer culture. Chick cells were chosen for the study of lipoprotein assembly since estradiol treatment can be used to alter the composition of the apoprotein mixture synthesized by these cells. The secretion of apoprotein (apo) B by estradiol-treated hepatocytes was elevated 4.2-fold above the basal level measured in control cells. Furthermore, estradiol-treated cells secreted apo-II, a major VLDL apoprotein not synthesized prior to estradiol treatment, at a level equivalent to that of apo-B. However, no difference in the secretion of apo-A-I and other newly identified nascent VLDL apoproteins was detected. These changes in relative rates of apoprotein synthesis altered the composition of nascent VLDL secreted by control versus estradiol-induced cells from: apo-B, 22 to 40%; apo-II, 0 to 32%; apo-37 kDa, 14 to 6%; apo-A-I, 31 to 12%; apo-17 kDa, 10 to 4%; apo-9 kDa, 15 to less than 10%; and apo-6 kDa, 8 to less than 2%. To investigate the basis for the preferential incorporation of apo-B and apo-II into nascent VLDL, the relative affinities of the apoproteins for VLDL were compared by measuring their capacities to transfer from VLDL into other lipoprotein or nonlipoprotein density classes. Culture medium containing [3H]leucine-labeled VLDL was incubated with plasma deficient in lipoproteins of rho less than 1.006 g/ml. Within 30 min of incubation at 37 degrees C, 3H-labeled apo-A-I and apo-9 kDa exchanged between VLDL and high-density lipoprotein, whereas apo-37 kDa exchanged between VLDL and the rho greater than 1.21 g/ml fraction. Neither apo-B nor apo-II underwent transfer from nascent VLDL. These results suggest that the relative rates of input of apoproteins into the secretory pathway and their affinities of binding to the nascent VLDL particle determine their extent of incorporation into, and, thus, the apoprotein composition of secreted VLDL.     

Phospholipid transfer protein deficiency protects circulating lipoproteins from oxidation due to the enhanced accumulation of vitamin E

Vitamin E is a lipophilic anti-oxidant that can prevent the oxidative damage of atherogenic lipoproteins. However, human trials with vitamin E have been disappointing, perhaps related to ineffective levels of vitamin E in atherogenic apoB-containing lipoproteins. Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) promotes vitamin E removal from atherogenic lipoproteins in vitro, and PLTP deficiency has recently been recognized as an anti-atherogenic state. To determine whether PLTP regulates lipoprotein vitamin E content in vivo, we measured alpha-tocopherol content and oxidation parameters of lipoproteins from PLTP-deficient mice in wild type, apoE-deficient, low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-deficient, or apoB/cholesteryl ester transfer protein transgenic backgrounds. In all four backgrounds, the vitamin E content of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and/or LDL was significantly increased in PLTP-deficient mice, compared with controls with normal plasma PLTP activity. Moreover, PLTP deficiency produced a dramatic delay in generation of conjugated dienes in oxidized apoB-containing lipoproteins as well as markedly lower titers of plasma IgG autoantibodies to oxidized LDL. The addition of purified PLTP to deficient plasma lowered the vitamin E content of VLDL plus LDL and normalized the generation of conjugated dienes. The data show that PLTP regulates the bioavailability of vitamin E in atherogenic lipoproteins and suggest a novel strategy for achieving more effective concentrations of anti-oxidants in lipoproteins, independent of dietary supplementation.     

The estradiol-stimulated lipoprotein receptor of rat liver. A binding site that membrane mediates the uptake of rat lipoproteins containing apoproteins B and E

Hepatic catabolism of lipoproteins containing apolipoproteins B or E is enhanced in rats treated with pharmacologic doses of 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol. Liver membranes prepared from these rats exhibit an increased number of receptor sites that bind 125I-labeled human low density lipoproteins (LDL) in vitro. In the present studies, this estradiol-stimulated hepatic receptor was shown to recognize the following rat lipoproteins: LDL, very low density lipoproteins obtained from liver perfusates (hepatic VLDL), and VLDL-remnants prepared by intravenous injection of hepatic VLDL into functionally eviscerated rats. The receptor also recognized synthetic lamellar complexes of lecithin and rat apoprotein E as well as canine high density lipoproteins containing apoprotein E (apo E-HDLc). It did not recognize human HDL or rat HDL deficient in apoprotein E. Much smaller amounts of this high affinity binding site were also found on liver membranes from untreated rats, the number of such sites increasing more than 10-fold after the animals were treated with estradiol. Each of the rat lipoproteins recognized by this receptor was taken up more rapidly by perfused livers from estrogen-treated rats. In addition, enrichment of hepatic VLDL with C-apoproteins lowered the ability of these lipoproteins to bind to the estradiol-stimulated receptor and diminished their rate of uptake by the perfused liver of estrogen-treated rats, just as it did in normal rats. The current data indicate that under the influence of pharmacologic doses of estradiol the liver of the rat contains increased amounts of a functional lipoprotein receptor that binds lipoproteins containing apoproteins B and E. This hepatic lipoprotein receptor appears to mediate the uptake and degradation of lipoproteins by the normal liver as well as the liver of estradiol-treated rats. The hepatic receptor bears a close functional resemblance to the LDL receptor previously characterized on extrahepatic cells.     

Metabolism of apolipoprotein E-containing human plasma lipoproteins by rat and human cells in culture.

Cultured preadipocytes from rat epididymal fat pads were able to bind, internalize, and degrade human plasma very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) more efficiently than low-density lipoproteins (LDL). VLDL, but not LDL, activated acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) and increased cholesterol accumulation in these cells. However, trypsin-treated VLDL (T-VLDL) lost the capacity to bind, activate ACAT, and increase cholesterol accumulation. After the treatment of VLDL with trypsin, SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting showed that apolipoprotein E (apo E) was completely degraded, whereas apolipoprotein CII (apo C-II) was preserved. ApoE complexed with dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) was able to complete with VLDL for binding to the cells. Although T-VLDL did not bind to the preadipocytes, these cells accumulate triacylglycerols from T-VLDL, presumably after lipolysis, as efficiently as from native VLDL. Rat smooth muscle cells and skin fibroblasts also bind and metabolize human VLDL better than LDL. However, human skin fibroblasts and omental preadipocytes metabolized LDL better than VLDL. These studies indicate that rat tissues can recognize and metabolize apoE-containing human plasma VLDL although they cannot recognize human LDL.     

Lipoprotein secretion in lean and obese Zucker female rats in vivo and in a single-pass-perfused liver preparation

The plasma lipoprotein composition as well as lipoprotein synthesis and secretion were studied in vivo and in a single-pass-perfused liver preparation in lean and obese Zucker rats. Compared with their lean littermates the levels in the plasma of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) + low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were increased 4-, 2- and 2.5 fold, respectively, in obese rats. In these rats both VLDL and IDL + LDL were enriched in triglycerides, while the HDL were enriched in cholesterol. Although the VLDL and IDL + LDL protein concentrations were the same in lean and obese rats, the HDL protein concentration was 3-fold greater in the obese rats. Both the lean and obese rats incorporated similar amounts of [14C]leucine into total liver protein. However, obese rats incorporated 2.5-fold and 6-fold more [14C]leucine into VLDL and HDL in vivo, 2.7-fold and 1.7 fold more [35S]methionine in VLDL and HDL present in the perfusate, than did lean rats. The perfusate [35S]S-labelled apoproteins (apo-B100, B48; apo-E, apo-AI, apo-AIV and apo-C) were separated by gel electrophoresis and identified by autoradiography. Incorporation of [3H]glycerol into liver, VLDL, IDL + LDL and HDL triglycerides was 2-, 48-, 13- and 1.5-fold higher in obese than in lean rats, respectively. The [3H]-labelled triglycerides in VLDL and IDL + LDL present in the perfusate was 5.4-fold and 4.4-fold more in obese rat. There was no difference in the incorporation of [3H]glycerol into triglycerides of perfusate HDL between the two genotypes of rats. Thus, the hypertriglyceridaemia observed in obese Zucker rats results from very high synthetic rates of both the lipid and protein moieties of plasma lipoproteins. Before this study, no report of the simultaneous triglycerides and protein synthesis in vivo and in a single-pass-perfused liver preparations had been reported.     

Nascent high density lipoproteins from liver perfusates of orotic acid-fed rats

Uniformly fatty livers from orotic acid-fed rats secreted almost no very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) but normal amounts of nascent high density lipoproteins (HDL) accumulated in perfusates. When lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) was inhibited, nascent HDL were uniformly discoidal and lacked cholesteryl esters. Lipid and apoprotein compositions of nascent HDL from normal and fatty livers were similar whether LCAT was inhibited or not. Apolipoprotein B-100 was not detected in perfusates of uniformly fatty livers, but small amounts of apolipoprotein B-48 were present in HDL2 fractions. Nascent lipoproteins were not seen in Golgi compartments, but lipid-rich particles were clearly evident in endoplasmic reticulum cisternae adjacent to the cis face of the Golgi complex, suggesting that orotic acid blocks VLDL secretion by preventing translocation of nascent particles from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cis Golgi compartment. The accumulation of normal amounts of discoidal HDL in liver perfusates despite virtual absence of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in Golgi secretory compartments, the space of Disse, and the perfusate is inconsistent with the concept that nascent HDL are exclusively a product of surface remnants cast off during lipolysis of chylomicrons and VLDL.     

Characterization of lipoprotein produced by the perfused rhesus monkey liver

Isolated livers from rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were perfused in order to asses the nature of newly synthesized hepatic lipoprotein. Perfusate containing [3H]leucine was recirculated for 1.5 hr, followed by an additional 2.5-hr perfusion with fresh perfusate. Equilibrium density gradient ultracentrifugation clearly separated VLDL from LDL. The apoprotein composition of VLDL secreted by the liver was similar to that of serum VLDL. The perfusate LDL contained some poorly radiolabeled, apoB-rich material, which appeared to be contaminating serum LDL. There was also some material of an LDL-like density, which was rich in radiolabeled apoE. Rate zonal density gradient ultracentrifugation fractionated HDL. All perfusate HDL fractions had a decreased cholesteryl ester/unesterified cholesterol ratio, compared to serum HDL. Serum HDL distributed in one symmetric peak near the middle of the gradient, with coincident peaks of apoA-I and apoA-II. The least dense fractions of the perfusate gradient were rich in radiolabeled apoE. The middle of the perfusate gradient contained particles rich in radiolabeled apoA-I and apoA-II. The peak of apoA-I was offset from the apoA-II peak towards the denser end of the gradient. The dense end of the HDL gradient contained lipoprotein-free apoA-I, apoE, and small amounts of apoA-II, probably resulting from the relative instability of nascent lipoprotein compared to serum lipoprotein. Perfusate HDL apoA-I isoforms were more basic than serum apoA-I isoforms. Preliminary experiments, using noncentrifugal methods, suggest that some hepatic apoA-I is secreted in a lipoprotein-free form. In conclusion, the isolated rhesus monkey liver produces VLDL similar to serum VLDL, but produces LDL and HDL which differ in several important aspects from serum LDL and HDL.     

Reconstitution of lipoprotein(a) by infusion of human low density lipoprotein into transgenic mice expressing human apolipoprotein(a).

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an atherosclerosis-causing lipoprotein that circulates in human plasma as a complex of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)). It is not known whether apo(a) attaches to LDL within hepatocytes prior to secretion or in plasma subsequent to secretion. Here we describe the development of a line of mice expressing the human apo(a) transgene under the control of the murine transferrin promoter. The apo(a) was secreted into the plasma, but circulated free of lipoproteins. When human (h)-LDL was injected intravenously, the circulating apo(a) rapidly associated with the lipoproteins, as determined by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis. Human HDL and mouse LDL had no such effect. When h-VLDL was injected, there was a delayed association of apo(a) with the lipoprotein fraction which suggests that apo(a) preferentially associated with a metabolic product of VLDL. The complex of apo(a) with LDL formed both in vivo and in vitro was resistant to boiling in the presence of detergents and denaturants, but was resolved upon disulfide reduction. These studies suggest that apo(a) fails to associate with mouse lipoproteins due to structural differences between human and mouse LDL, and that Lp(a) formation can occur in plasma through the association of apo(a) with circulating LDL.     

Immunoaffinity isolation of apolipoprotein E-containing lipoproteins

Discrete apolipoprotein E-containing lipoproteins can be identified when EDTA plasma is fractionated on columns of 4% agarose. The present study has demonstrated, by physical and metabolic criteria, that these apolipoprotein E-containing lipoprotein subclasses may be further isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography. Whole plasma was first bound to an anti-apolipoprotein E immunoadsorbent prior to gel filtration on 4% agarose. After elution from the affinity column and dialysis, the bound fraction was chromatographed on 4% agarose. Discrete subfractions of apolipoprotein E could be demonstrated within elution volumes similar to those observed in the original plasma. When whole plasma was first submitted to gel filtration and the apolipoprotein E-containing lipoproteins of either intermediate- or of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) size were subsequently bound to anti-apolipoprotein E columns, the bound eluted fractions maintained their size and physical properties as shown by electron microscopy and by rechromatography on columns of 4% agarose. The metabolic integrity of apolipoprotein E-containing very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) was examined by coinjection into a cynomolgus monkey of 125I-labeled apolipoprotein E-rich and 131I-labeled apolipoprotein E-deficient human VLDL which had been separated by immunoaffinity chromatography. The plasma specific activity time curves of the apolipoprotein B in VLDL, intermediate-density (IDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoproteins demonstrated rates of decay and precursor-product relationships similar to those obtained after injection of whole labeled VLDL, supporting the metabolic integrity of VLDL isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography.