The quantitative separation of chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants by column chromatography

Chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants cannot be separated by classical techniques of ultracentrifugation or gel filtration, since there is a marked overlap of density and size. Chylomicron remnants develop a high negative surface charge during their formation presumably due to surface-oriented free fatty acids. Two chromatographic matrices have been identified which separate these two lipoprotein species based on the charge differences. Both DEAE-Sephacel and protamine-Affi-Gel 10 effect a quantitative separation. These techniques may be useful in studies of chylomicron metabolism both in vivo and in vitro.