Effect of Lipoprotein Lability on Immunological Properties of Human Low Density Lipoproteins. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Human low density S_f 3-9 lipoproteins can be frozen and thawed, stored at —20°C, and heated to 56°C for 45 minutes without altering their immunological characteristics in precipitin ring and agar diffusion tests. Lipoprotein fractions stored at 4°C are decomposed by bacterial action. Aqueous merthiolate added to final dilution of 1:10,000 prevents bacterial contamination in lipoprotein fractions stored at 4°C without altering immunological characteristics of the lipoproteins. Freezing and thawing increases turbidity of lipoprotein solutions but does not alter lipid and protein patterns obtained with paper electrophoresis.