Metabolism of the apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins

This chapter was designed to describe the approaches one can take to study the metabolism of the apoB-containing particles in vivo. The focus has been to blend (1) what is the current tracer kinetics analysis methodology and (2) what are the current experimental protocols being used into a total picture so that the experimentalist wishing to perform such studies may have a better perspective of the strong points and pitfalls of this important experimental tool. Hence, these points have been summarized from the point of view of what caveats are associated with each methodology. Recognition of these is essential to avoid reaching potentially erroneous conclusions. More important, attention has been focused on the realization that certain methodologies can be chosen depending upon what questions are being asked. Finally, areas where future development is needed in order to proceed to the next level of understanding are pointed out in the context of using tracer kinetic analysis as an integral part of a total experimental design.