[Receptors and molecular heterogeneity of lipoprotein particles containing apolipoprotein A-I]

High density lipoproteins (HDL) are heterogeneous, with respect to their hydrated density (HDL2, HDL3), and to their apolipoprotein composition (Lp A-I : A-II contains both apolipoprotein A-I and A-II, Lp A-I contains apolipoprotein A-I but not apolipoprotein A-II). Lp A-I and Lp A-I and Lp A-I : A-II particles have different metabolic functions. Only Lp A-I particles seem to be involved in the antiatherogenic role of HDL. Alcohol consumption raises Lp A-I : A-II level but not Lp A-I. Different tissue possess specific binding sites for HDL: steroidogenic tissue, hepatocytes peripheral cells. Apolipoprotein A-I and/or A-II are possible ligands. HLD, after binding to the receptor, can provide the cells with cholesterol, or promote an efflux of cholesterol from the cells and the "reverse cholesterol transport" from the peripheral cells to the liver. The HDL subfractions possess different metabolic roles: binding of Lp A-I to mouse adipose cell receptors promotes cholesterol efflux. Apo A-II are antagonists for this effect.