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Nascent astrocyte particles differ from lipoproteins in CSF
M J LaDu1, S M Gilligan, J R Lukens
1Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Journal of Neurochemistry
|May 8, 1998
Summary
Central nervous system (CNS) lipoproteins, found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and produced by astrocytes, differ significantly. Astrocytederived particles are discoidal, while CSF lipoproteins are spherical and contain more core lipid, suggesting a role in cholesterol clearance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Lipid Metabolism
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lipid transport and metabolism in the brain remain poorly understood.
- Central nervous system (CNS) lipoproteins' origins and functions require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize lipoprotein particles from human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and rat astrocyte cultures.
- To understand the differences between astrocyte-secreted and CSF lipoproteins.
Main Methods:
- Size and density fractionation of lipoprotein particles.
- Analysis of lipid and apolipoprotein content.
- Gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Nascent astrocyte particles are discoidal with little core lipid, containing apoE and apoJ.
- CSF lipoproteins resemble plasma high-density lipoprotein, are spherical, and contain esterified cholesterol.
- CSF lipoproteins show heterogeneous apolipoprotein distribution, with apoE on larger particles and apoAI/AII on smaller ones.
Conclusions:
- Astrocyte-secreted and CSF lipoproteins exhibit distinct structures and compositions.
- Astrocyte lipoproteins may play a role in brain cholesterol clearance before reaching the CSF.
- Studying these lipoproteins could elucidate apoE's function in neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.