Metabolism of low density lipoproteins in rainbow trout

Plasma kinetics and tissue sites of degradation for native and chemically modified low density lipoproteins have been investigated in (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Native and modified LDL labelled with(125)I-tyramine-cellobiose, (a residualizing adduct), were injected intravenously, and plasma and organ samples analyzed. Native LDL were cleared with a half life of about 30 hours, and mainly catabolized in the liver. Acetylation of LDL resulted in accelerated clearance (t1/2=2 h) and catabolism in the kidneys. Methylation of LDL had only minor effects on catabolism. The cellular localization of lipoprotein uptake was visualized in kidney by fluorescence microscopy. Native LDL were endocytozed by spheroid, parenchymal cells, supposedly steroid-producing cells. Acetylated, fluorescent LDL were found in vacuoles of flattened, sinusoidal lining endothelial cells. Our data show that catabolism of native low density lipoproteins in salmonids takes place mainly via hepatic receptors. A scavenger receptor pathway, for modified lipoproteins (mainly localized in the kidney) is also operative in trout.