[Lipoproteins and lipoprotein receptors and their significance for the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis].

Plasma lipoproteins are macromolecular complexes which serve as vehicles for the transport of lipids in the blood in a soluble form. The protein components of lipoproteins are referred to as apoproteins. They apparently direct each lipoprotein to its site of metabolism. It is now evident that lipoprotein receptors on the surface of cells in the liver, extrahepatic tissues and perhaps in the RES mediate the uptake of lipoproteins by these tissues. Understanding the mechanisms of the uptake of atherogenic lipoproteins by the cells will lead to further insights of the etiology of atherosclerosis.