Influence of prostaglandins on the lipid transfer between human high density and low density lipoproteins

Prostaglandin (PG) E1 was demonstrated to stimulate the transfer of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol esters from human high density lipoproteins (HDL3) to low density lipoproteins (LDL). The enhancement effect of PGE1 on the interlipoprotein lipid transfer was seen at low PG concentrations under conditions of spontaneous exchange as well as in the presence of lipoprotein-depleted plasma, or partly purified plasma lipid exchange protein. PGE2 and PGF2 alpha showed no significant influence on the interlipoprotein lipid transfer. Evidence is presented suggesting that the PGE1-induced stimulation of interlipoprotein lipid exchange results in enhancement of LCAT-catalyzed cholesterol esterification in plasma. It is proposed that the effect of PGE1 is due to the previously described PGE1-induced reorganization of the HDL surface [(1984) FEBS Lett. 173, 291-293] and that PG-lipoprotein interaction may be a factor regulating cholesterol homeostasis.