Evidence for Lipolytic Action by Human Plasma Obtained after Intravenous Administration of Heparin. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. Plasma from human subjects who have received intravenous heparin a short time previously, when incubated with certain lipoproteins for period of 4 to 8 hours at 37°C, has been found to cause partial hydrolysis of the glyceride component of the lipoprotein with concomitant release of fatty acids. Sera from the same individuals before heparin administration did not cause measurably real hydrolysis under the same conditions. 2. Heating the plasma before incubation prevents the reaction, but of a number of common enzyme inhibitors tried, only sodium arsenite is effective. 3. Our results are consistent with—and may at least partially explain—certain other lipoprotein changes which may be classed as heparin effects, e.g., the observed redistribution of lipoproteins shown by the ultracentrifuge, and the cleaning of turbidity in egg lipoprotein solutions.