In vitro Catabolism of very low density lipoproteins from horse (Equus caballus) by the action of autologous lipoprotein lipase.

Incubation of equine very low density lipoproteins with lipoprotein lipase isolated from horse postheparin plasma resulted in the formation of lipoproteins of a higher density. Lipoproteins isolated after incubation and plasma lipoproteins had a different chemical composition and triacylglycerol fatty acid pattern. In vitro-obtained low density lipoproteins contained substantially more phospholipids and triacylglycerols but significantly less cholesteryl esters than native low density lipoproteins. Comparing the triacylglycerol fatty acid pattern of plasma very low density lipoproteins and in vitro--obtained low density lipoproteins, a drastic decrease in the proportion of linolenic acid was observed with increasing density.