Kinetic constants for receptor-dependent and receptor-independent low density lipoprotein transport in the tissues of the rat and hamster.

In this study, carried out in the rat and hamster, the receptor-dependent low density lipoprotein (LDL) transport process in each organ was characterized in terms of its maximal uptake rate (Jm) and Michaelis constant (Km), while the rate of receptor-independent uptake was defined in terms of its proportionality constant (P). The highest Jm values of 50-126 micrograms/h per g were found in the liver and endocrine glands in both species and receptor-dependent uptake also was detected in other organs like spleen, kidney, and intestine. The Km values were essentially the same in all of the organs and equaled approximately 90 mg/dl in both species. The receptor-independent uptake constants also were similar in the two species and were highest in the spleen, liver, and intestine. From these values for Jm, Km, and P, it was possible to construct theoretical curves that predict the plasma LDL-cholesterol concentration and fractional catabolic rate given any alteration in LDL-cholesterol production or the magnitude of receptor-dependent LDL transport in any organ of the rat or hamster.