The interaction of the high-density lipoprotein with cultured cells of bovine vascular endothelium.

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) is mitogenic for low‐density vascular endo thelial cell cultures. In contrast, low‐density lipoprotein(LDL) at physiological concentration is cytotoxic for this cell type [Tauber et al. (1980) J.Clin.Invest. 66, 696‐709]. In order to relate these observations to the physico‐chemical events occurring after the interaction of these lipoproteins with the cells, we have studied the binding, internalization, and degradation of HDL as a function of cell density and organization and have compared the results to those obtained with LDL.Cultured vascular endothelial cells bind HDL to an extent which, on a molar basis, is similar to that of LDL. Since an 80% loss of the LDL receptor sites in cells that were preexposed to LDL was not associated with a detectable decrease in HDL binding, it is likely that HDL and LDL binding sites exist on the cell surface as distinct entities A 5‐10 fold molar excess of LDL over 125 I‐HDL was almost as effective as a similar excess of unlabeled HDL in reducing the binding of 125, indicationg that LDL can comete with HDL for HDL binding sites. In contrast, 125 I‐LDL binding and uptake were reduced by less than 20% in the presence of a 50‐fold molar excess of unlabeled HDL. Both uptake and degradation of HDL were 10‐20 fold lower than those of LDL. HDL degradation was only slightly or not inhibited by chloroquine at a concentration which almost fully inhibited the degradation of LDL. Confluent and highly orgainized endothelial cell cultures bind HDL and LDL particles to an extent which is half of the amount bound to sparse or subconfluent culture However. The formation of a resting endothelial cell monlayer was associated with only a twofold decrease in the uptake of HDL, as compard to a 10‐20‐fold decrease in the uptake and degradation of LDL. In both sparse and confluent endothelial cultures, uptake via fluid pinocytosis non‐specific adscorptive endocytosis could account for most of the HDL uptake. The different pathways of internalization of HDL when added at high concentration to sparse and actively growing cultures.