Lipoproteins are complexes of phospholipid, triglyceride, cholesteryl ester and free cholesterol with Apo lipoproteins that mediate the transport of lipid through the bloodstream. The lipid content of particles, especially that of the hydrophobic components, triglyceride and cholesteryl ester, gives these complexes the unique property of having a density substantially less than that of most other constituents in plasma. Therefore they can be prepared virtually pure by ultracentrifugation.
Triglyceride rich lipoproteins (Chylomicrons and VLDL) have a density less than that of plasma and will float under increased gravity. The other cholesterol rich lipoproteins have densities in the range 1.006-1.2kg/L, quite distinct from the density of proteins at about 1.7 kg/L and that of the only other major lipid transporting protein, albumin that carries fatty acids. Increasing the non-protein solvent density of plasma permits the isolation, in a stepwise fashion, of the major classes of lipoproteins.
Lipids/Trace Metals
LIPU
Lipid Studies (ultracentrifugation)
Lipid typing
Specialised Lipid Testing
Ultracentrifugation
3 weeks
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