UPTAKE OF APOLIPOPROTEIN E-CONTAINIG LIPOPROTEINS BY NEURONS OF THE RAT BRAIN THAT EXPRESS LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN RECEPTORS
大白鼠脑中表达低密度脂蛋白(LDL)受体的神经元可吸收含脱辅基蛋白E(ApoE)的脂蛋白

In this study, we used fluorescence histological technique in combination with immunocytochemical method to investigate if ApoE-containing lipoprotein can be taken up by neurons of central nervous system in mammals. The results from these experiments are as follows.1. The uptake of labeled ApoE-containing lipoproteins was observed only in neurons distributed along the track of injection.2. The labeled ApoE-containing lipoproteins were internalized by neurons that expressed low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors.3. Neurons that did not express LDL receptors did not lake up labeled ApoE-containing lipoproteins.Conclusions. Neurons that express LDL receptors have the ability to bind and internalize ApoE-containing lipoproteins present in their environment. This suggests that ApoE-containing lipoproteins and the regulated expression of LDL receptors provide a mechanism for cholesterol transfer and homeostasis within the central nervous system of the mamals.