Interaction between dextran and human low density lipoproteins (LDL) observed using laser light scattering

Dextran infusions in humans lead to a reduction of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in the plasma compartment. The interaction of dextran with human LDL was investigated in vitro by static and dynamic light scattering. The expe riments were performed with human LDL (apoB concentration 0.75 g l(-1)) and dextran (M-w = 40 000 and 70 000 g mol (-1)) at 25 degreesC. The dextran c oncentrations after mixing were IO and 50 g l(-1). The hydrodynamic radius for native LDL was found to be R-H = 12.9 nm. The addition of dextran induc es the formation of LDL associates with a mean radius of R-H approximate to 200 nm. These findings show that even non-sulphated polysaccharides intera ct with LDL. The dextran-dependent formation of LDL associates detected in vitro could be the reason for the in vivo effect of dextran on the lipid me tabolism. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.