ABSTRACT
This chapter points out any differences in the structure and apoprotein composition of lymph lipoproteins resulting from the feeding of saturated and unsaturated fats in the presence and absence of cholesterol. It shows that alterations in the lymph lipoprotein levels and in certain structural and compositional features contribute to the changes in plasma lipoproteins that are eventually observed following the consumption of different dietary fats. The chapter provides a brief consideration of the general features of chylomicron formation and secretion by the villus cells. The absorbed fat is transported from the intestine in the form of special emulsion particles called chylomicrons. Chylomicrons are spherical triacylglycerol-rich particles 50 to 500 nm in diameter and are formed within the intestine during triacylglycerol absorption. The long-chain saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature, insoluble in water, and must be reesterified before absorption via the lymphatic route. The absorption of cholesterol from each fatty acid medium was quantitatively equivalent.
