[Contribution of Jacques Canal in the field of lipoproteins]

The scientific works of J. Canal have essentially related to low density lipoproteins (L.D.L.), between 1.025 and 1.050. By using proteolytic enzymes and phospholipases, he is able to obtain informations on the accessibility of apolipoprotein B and phospholipids. So, as early as 1975, he expresses the hypothesis that only 30 p. cent of Apo B occupy a superficial position. In addition, he proposes the fact that Apo B has at least four antigenic determinants; this hypothesis formulated by J. Canal, almost 10 years ago, was recently confirmed by using monoclonal antibodies. At the same time, using phospholipases, J. Canal reaches the conclusion that phospholipids are localized on the surface of L.D.L. He demonstrates that phospholipids play a major role in the precipitation of L.D.L. by sulfate polysaccharides in the presence of L.D.L. by sulfated polysaccharides in the presence of divalent cations (Reaction of Burnstein). He proposes a mechanism for this reaction. This research on the mechanism of Burnstein's reaction will receive in clinical biochemistry an important application with the development of a completely original technique of dosage of total lipids in the serum.