The effect of LDL and modified LDL on macrophage secretion products

The role that lipid uptake might play in macrophage activation was investigated using mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Incubation with acetylated LDL for 48 hours resulted in a 12 fold increase in cholesterol ester content in macrophages; incubation with oxidized LDL resulted in a 6 fold increase in cholesterol ester, while incubation with native LDL did not result in cholesterol accumulation. Incubation of macrophages with acetylated LDL or oxidized LDL produced no change in macrophage production of plasminogen activator or secretion of interleukin 1 or superoxide anion.