Lipoprotein (a) is not a metabolic product of other lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein B.

125I-Labeled autologous very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) was injected intravenously into three lipoprotein (a) positive individuals. One other lipoprotein (a) positive subject received 125I-labeled VLDL from a a lipoprotein (a) negative donor. Specific activity of apolipoprotein B in VLDL, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and lipoprotein (a) was measured for 5 days. In the lipoprotein (a) fraction only traces of radioactivity could be detected, which were caused by contamination with labeled LDL. No precursor-product relationship existed between apolipoprotein B in VLDL or LDL and apolipoprotein B in lipoprotein (a). One lipoprotein (a)-positive individual was kept on a fat-free diet for 4 days to prevent chylomicron formation; no change in the serum level of lipoprotein (a) could be detected under these conditions. The data of this study indicate that lipoprotein (a) is not a metabolic product of VLDL or LDL. Also chylomicrons are not likely to play role as a precursor for lipoprotein (a). It is concluded that lipoprotein (a) is synthesized as a separate lipoprotein.