| Abstract: | 1. Plasma lipoproteins from six thoroughbred horses were separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation. For each sample, lipoprotein bands were visualized by means of a prestained plasma control and characterized by electrophoretic, chemical and morphological analysis. 2. Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were isolated at d less than 1.018 g/ml. 3. Two clearly resolved bands were detected in the low density lipoprotein fraction (LDL). The density limits were evaluated as follows: LDL1(1.028 less than d less than 1.045 g/ml) and LDL2(1.045 less than d less than 1.070 g/ml). Marked differences were observed in the chemical composition and particle size of LDL1 and LDL2 fractions. 4. High density lipoprotein fraction (HDL) was usually isolated as a single band, distributed over the range 1.075 less than d less than 1.180 g/ml. However, chemical composition and particle size revealed heterogeneity in HDL subfractions. 5. The density limit of LDL and HDL bands varied in each animal, indicating differences in equine lipoprotein distribution. |
