[1] Introduction to the plasma lipoproteins

Current knowledge of the structure and function of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins and of the enzymes and receptors that mediate lipoprotein–lipid transport is making it possible to define discrete steps of lipoprotein metabolism at the molecular level. This chapter describes the plasma lipoproteins and the association of individual apolipoproteins with specific classes of lipoproteins from the surface properties of lipoprotein particles. The coupling of cellular regulatory mechanisms to the processes of intracellular lipoprotein biosynthesis and catabolism is beginning to yield to the powerful tools of contemporary cell and molecular biology. This chapter shows that a myriad of methods have been brought to bear upon the biology of the plasma lipoproteins. The policies of granting agencies have helped to increase communication and collaboration among investigators. Included in this interaction have been clinical scientists and pathologists whose important contributions have not been described in this survey of lipoprotein structure and metabolism. The chapter indicates that the current state of the field is conducive both to further understanding of normal processes and of the role of lipoproteins in atherosclerosis.