Human Apolipoprotein A-IV: INTESTINAL ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION IN PLASMA

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Abstract

The role of the human intestine has been explored as a site of synthesis of apoA-IV, a major apoprotein of human intestinal triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Intestinal biopsies were performed on normal volunteers while fasting and after lipid ingestion. Indirect immunofluorescence demonstrated a marked increase in immunofluorescence for apoA-IV during lipid absorption consistent with an increased intracellular content. ApoA-IV comprised 10-13% of chylomicron apoprotein and 24-30% of intestinal very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) as assessed by densitometry of sodium dodecyl sulfate gels of lipoproteins from chylous urine (mesenteric lymphatic-urinary fistula) and thoracic duct lymph (postoperative fistula). After one subject with chyluria ingested 40 g of corn oil, triglyceride excretion in urine was accompanied by an increased excretion of apoA-IV. 11.5 g of triglyceride and 81 mg of apoA-IV were recovered in the urine. In chylous urine 56% of apoA-IV was in the triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons and intestinal VLDL) and 44% in the d > 1.006-g/ml fraction.

Authors

Peter H. R. Green, Robert M. Glickman, John W. Riley, Elaine Quinet