Change in permeability of liposomal membranes mediated by C-reactive protein and its inhibition by cholesterol.

CRP-positive human serum specifically releases the trapped glucose from multilamellar liposomes composed of egg lecithin and dicetylphosphate. The release is dependent on Ca++ ion and is suppressed by incorporation of cholesterol into liposomes membranes. A specific role of cholesterol in CRP-receptor recognition at membranes of immunocytes is suggested.