Back to Search Start Over

Size-selective uptake of colloidal low density lipoprotein aggregates by cultured white blood cells.

Authors :
Walters MJ
Wrenn SP
Source :
Journal of colloid and interface science [J Colloid Interface Sci] 2010 Oct 15; Vol. 350 (2), pp. 494-501. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Jul 03.
Publication Year :
2010

Abstract

This paper illustrates how principles of colloid science are useful in studying atherosclerosis. Accumulation of foam cells in the arterial intima is a key step in atherogenesis. The extent of foam cell formation is enhanced by low density lipoprotein (LDL) aggregates, and we have previously shown that the size of sphingomyelinase (Smase)-hydrolysis-induced aggregates depends directly on the concentration of ceramide generated in the LDL phospholipid monolayer, mediated by the hydrophobic effect. Here, we focus on the effect of LDL aggregate particle sizes on their subsequent uptake by macrophages. Our data show the first direct measurement of uptake as a function of aggregate size and the first direct comparison of uptake after Smase-catalyzed and vortex-mixing-mediated aggregation. Vortex-mixed aggregates with radii 20-77 nm showed maximal uptake approximately 118 microg sterol/mg protein at a 53 nm intermediate size, consistent with a mathematical model describing competition between aggregate surface area and volume. Smase-treated aggregates with radii 25-211 nm also showed maximal uptake at an intermediate size, approximately 58 microg sterol/mg protein for 132 nm particles, and fit a modified model that incorporated ceramide concentration expressed as aggregate size. This study shows that particle size is significant and composition may also be a factor in LDL uptake.<br /> (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1095-7103
Volume :
350
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of colloid and interface science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
20667542
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2010.06.059