Characterization of lipoproteins isolated from the hemolymph of the spiderLatrodectus mirabilis (Araneae, Theridiidae)

Two high density lipoprotein fractions (HDL1 and HDL2) were isolated from t he hemolymphatic plasma of the spider Latrodectus mirabilis (Holmberg 1876) . For each, the hydrated density, the electrophoresis mobility of the apopr oteins, and the lipid classes composition were determined. The HDL1 fractio n carried 80% of the total plasma lipids, which were predominantly composed of phospholipids, free fatty acids, and triacylglycerols. The apoprotein c omposition of this fraction showed two main bands of 90 and 103 kDa. The HD L2 fraction was composed primarily of phospholipids, free fatty acids and c holesterol. This fraction contained hemocyanin as the principal apoprotein. When the HDL2 fraction was separated into three subfractions, all of them contained hemocyanin, with the main subfraction containing the hexameric fo rm of the respiratory pigment. With regard to triacylglycerol transport, li pid and apoprotein compositions and hemocyanin role in the lipid transport, these lipoproteins (HDL1, HDL2) show similarities and differences when com pared to the two spider species already studied.