Modification of very low density lipoproteins leads to macrophage scavenger receptor uptake and cholesteryl ester deposition.

Chemically modified low density lipoproteins (LDL) are recognized by the macrophage scavenger receptor and can lead to substantial cholesteryl ester accumulation in cultured macrophages. Uptake of modified lipoproteins in vivo could contribute to foam cell formation during generation of the atherosclerotic plaque lesion. In the present study, modification of human pre-beta migrating very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) by acetylation led to recognition by the macrophage scavenger receptor as demonstrated in cross-competition experiments with acetylated LDL (ALDL). Recognition by this alternative binding site was associated with increased cholesterol delivery to human macrophages as assessed by suppression of LDL receptor activity, stimulation of cholesterol esterification rates, and accumulation of intracellular cholesteryl ester. Subfractionation of acetylated very low density lipoprotein (AVLDL) by ultracentrifugation in a discontinuous NaCl gradient demonstrated that AVLDL subfractions were equally effective in competing for 125I-ALDL uptake by macrophages when compared on the basis of particle number. These results suggest that modification of VLDL with subsequent recognition by the macrophage scavenger receptor may be a mechanism by which VLDL particles participate in macrophage cholesteryl ester overload.