37] Lipoprotein-liposome interactions

Abstract

Publisher Summary The interaction of lipoproteins with phospholipid liposomes has been studied as a model of the transfer of phospholipids from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins into high-density lipoproteins (HDL) during lipolysis. This chapter describes the effects of different variables or liposome–lipoprotein interactions—methods used to separate the different products of this interaction, the preparation of phospholipid transfer protein(s), and the preparation of HDL containing radiolabeled phospholipids of high specific activity. The interactions of liposomes with lipoproteins can result in disruption of the liposomes and release of the drugs, as liposomes have been used to encapsulate drugs; however, the dissolution of liposomes in plasma may be minimized by the incorporation of sufficient unesterified cholesterol into the liposomes, or by the use of high melting phospholipids, or by giving larger doses of liposomes. Thus interactions of liposomes with lipoproteins can also result in adsorption of apolipoproteins by otherwise intact liposomes, and this may be of great importance because the adsorption of apoE could lead to the uptake of liposomes via the cellular apoB, E receptor.