Improved assessment of plasma lipoprotein patterns. III. Direct measurement of lipoproteins after gel-electrophoresis.

Based on a previously described technique [Clin. Chem. 19, 737 (1973)] of precipitating plasma lipoproteins with polyanions after their electrophoretic separation in gels, a new method is presented for measuring normal plasma lipoproteins densitometrically. The method is fast and easy; the CV for beta-, pre-beta-, and alpha-lipoproteins was less than 5% in one series. Results are linearly related to concentration up to 10 g of total lipoprotein per liter. No unusual equipment is required. Standardization is done with the aid of a commercially available filter. Total plasma cholesterol and cholesterol calculated from quantified lipoprotein fractions were highly (r = 0.963) correlated.