ROLE OF LIPOPROTEIN-X IN FOAM CELL-FORMATION AND RAT MESANGIAL CELL-PROLIFERATION

1. In the present study, the effect of reconstituted lipoprotein-X (rL p-X) on lipid accumulation and foam cell formation in rat peritoneal m acrophages was evaluated. Furthermore, the combined effect of rLp-X an d macrophages on mesangial cell proliferation was examined. 2. Incubat ion of macrophages with rLp-X (177 and 387 nmol unesterified cholester ol (FC)/mL) resulted in an increase of cellular cholesterol (162%) and cholesteryl esters (223 to 245%) relative to control. 3. Oil Red O st aining of macrophages treated with rLp-X revealed the presence of foam cells. 4. In conclusion, rLp-X had no effect on the proliferation of mesangial cells incubated in macrophage-conditioned medium.