The effect of ascorbic acid on the activity of lipoprotein lipase in the baboon (Papio ursinus).

The intravenous administration of heparin-released lipoprotein lipase (LPL) into the circulatory system of the baboon (Papio ursinus) is described. After a single heparin injection, a peak value of LPL activity appeared in the circulation with 5 minutes. At low doses of heparin (less than 100 units heparin/kg body mass), LPL disappeared from the circulation in an exponential fashion with a half-life of about 20 minutes. An increase in the heparin dose increased the amount of LPL released into the circulation. In baboons which were deficient in ascorbic acid, less LPL was released into the circulation after specific doses of heparin than in animals that were amply supplied with this vitamin (ascorbic acid 16 mg/kg body mass/day). The separation of plasma LOL, released by heparin, on Sephadex G-150, revealed several distinct molecular species of LPL in the eluant from the columns. In vitro studies indicated that ascorbic acid inhibited cardiac LPL strongly, whereas it had little effect on "post-heparin plasma" LPL. 2somolar concentrations of another reducing agent, mercapto-ethanol, slightly stimulated cardiac LPL in baboons.