Cholesterol ester degradation by transacylation with lysolecithin and hydrolysis in the arterial wall

Transacylation with lysolecithin of cholesterol oleate > linolenate > linoleate > palmitate > stearate, along with different hydrolysis of these esters, and acyl transfer from lecithin on cholesterol in appropriate two-substrate reactions mixtures with enzyme extract from pig aorta and cofactors, have been demonstrated. The results are discussed according to the acylenzyme theory of substrate decomposition and in relation to the metabolism of lipids in the arterial wall.