[Catabolism of low-density lipoproteins via receptors and its regulation]

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are the main plasmatic carrier of cholesterol through the tissues. Their catabolism depends essentially on the presence of high affinity specific receptors on the surface of the cells. Every diminution, genetic (familial hypercholesterolemia) or acquired, of the LDL catabolism via the receptors, causes the acceleration of the formation of atheromatous lesions. The present review considers the main characteristics of the receptor, the mechanisms of the endocytosis of LDL, the different types of mutation affecting the catabolism of LDL in familial hypercholesterolemia, as well as certain data concerning the regulation of the catabolism of LDL via the receptors (hormonal effect, effect of AMP, of calcium and role of nutritional factors).