CHANGES IN LP(A) LIPOPROTEIN AND OTHER PLASMA-PROTEINS DURING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION

The sequential changes of Lp(a) lipoprotein concentrations in patients (n=59) suffering acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were examined and compared with other plasma proteins. The temporal and quantitative cha racteristics of the responses in concentration of acute phase reactant s (CRP, haptoglobin, alpha(1)-antitrypsin, alpha-acid glycoprotein), l ipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL choleste rol) and apolipoproteins AI and B were similar to previous reports. Lp (a) lipoprotein showed transient changes with an initial decrease of 1 0-25% compared to the 3-month control value, followed by rebound on da y 7-11 above admission level, before again declining. We were able to demonstrate a quantitative relationship between infarct size and alter ations in plasma levels of acute phase reactants. However, in addition to rather unusual significant fluctuations during AMI, Lp(a) lipoprot ein changes seemed unrelated to infarct size. These findings do not su pport the view that Lp(a) lipoprotein acts as an acute phase reactant.