Plasma HDL cholesterol and the in vitro esterification of cholesterol

In vitro esterification of plasma cholesterol was measured in twelve healthy subjects, six of whom had high plasma concentrations of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, whereas the other six had low concentrations. Irrespective of the method used no difference between the groups with the respect to cholesterol esterification could be demonstrated. This may indicate that the beneficial effect of HDL on the development of atherosclerotic disease works thorugh other mechanisms than by facilitating the transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver.