Molecular physiology of reverse cholesterol transport.

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is the pathway by which peripheral cell cholesterol can be returned to the liver for catabolism. Evidence of specific functions for molecular structures within individual plasma lipoprotein species has rapidly accumulated from recent studies using molecular and cellular physiology techniques. The removal of cholesterol from cells, like its delivery, appears to be specific and well regulated. Although further research will be needed, RCT can now be understood in molecular terms.