Analysis of high density lipoprotein apolipoproteins by capillary zone and capillary SDS gel electrophoresis.

We describe new methods for analyzing the apolipoproteins (apo) of the high density lipoproteins (HDL) of several species by two modes of capillary electrophoresis: size separation using a molecular sieving buffer, and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) using neutral coated capillaries. By either mode HDL apos were resolved within 25 min. Results for apoA-I and apoA-II mass agreed with those by electroimmunoassay; intra-assay coefficients of variation were 1.8-4.2%. The migration times of human, rat, rabbit, and bovine apoA-I during CZE were proportional to their net charge/Mr ratios. This enabled human and rabbit apoA-I to be quantified simultaneously in transgenic rabbit HDLs. CZE also resolved human apoA-I isoforms, deamidated apoA-I, and pro-apoA-I.