High-density lipoprotein formation by the intestine

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the role of the intestine in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and stresses those techniques, which, while addressed in other chapters in this volume, have been modified for the study of intestinal lipoproteins. This chapter reviews the evidence for the direct synthesis and secretion of HDL particles. These studies demonstrated that the intestinal epithelial cell actively synthesizes many of the protein and lipid components of chylomicrons during triglyceride absorption. Triglyceride and phospholipid synthesis and cholesteryl ester formation occur via microsomal enzyme complexes. Specific apolipoprotein synthesis is also required for chylomicron formation. Experimental inhibition of protein synthesis results in impaired chylomicron secretion and hereditary inability to synthesize apolipoprotein B (apoB) results in the inability to form or secrete chylomicrons. Thus, apolipoprotein synthesis is an integral component of chylomicron formation. As the intestine absorbs large quantities of dietary lipid daily, chylomicron components constitute quantitatively significant amounts of these constituents which enter the peripheral blood.