The effect of carbon monoxide on lipid metabolism of human coronary arteries.

Human coronary arteries were perfused under sterile conditions in vitro with blood containing high or low concentrations of carbon monoxide. Lipid synthesis in the arterial wall was investigated by incorporating [14C]acetate; synthesis of the following lipids was measured: cholesterol, cholesterol ester, di- and triglycerides and phospholipids. Cholesterol uptake by the arterial wall was studied by using [3H]cholesterol as a tracer. No influence of CO on lipid synthesis in the arterial wall could be demonstrated. In contrast, arteries which were exposed to CO showed a higher uptake of cholesterol as compared to their corresponding control. The concentration of CO in the perfusate did not alter the degree of cholesterol uptake. These results are in general agreement with those of others, who found that CO significantly increases the permeability of endothelial membranes.