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Interaction of low density lipoproteins with human aortic elastin
E J Podet1, D R Shaffer, S H Gianturco
1Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex.
Arteriosclerosis and Thrombosis : a Journal of Vascular Biology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) binds to elastin in arteries, potentially contributing to atherosclerotic lipid deposition. This interaction is influenced by elastin
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Arterial Wall Research
Background:
- Lipoprotein-elastin interactions in arteries are implicated in atherosclerotic lipid deposition.
- Previous studies lacked detailed binding affinity data for these interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the binding affinities and characteristics of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) interaction with elastin.
- To investigate the role of this interaction in atherosclerotic lipid deposition.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of elastin from human aortic tissue using hot alkali treatment.
- Radioiodinated LDL binding assays at 4°C and 37°C.
- Competitive inhibition studies using different lipoprotein types.
Main Results:
- LDL binds to multiple sites on elastin with high affinity (Kd = 3.6 x 10^-8 M) at 4°C.
- Binding capacity was higher in atherosclerotic elastin, but affinity was reduced.
- Temperature-dependent binding kinetics at 37°C suggest complex interactions.
Conclusions:
- LDL binding to elastin occurs in the arterial intima.
- This binding interaction likely promotes atherosclerotic lipid deposition.
- Elastin's altered binding properties in atherosclerosis warrant further investigation.