ABSTRACT
The physiologically active form of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL, EC 3.1.1.34) is found anchored to the endothelial cells of the capillary lumen,
in and near the tissues of its origin. Here it catalyzes the hydrolysis of plasma lipoprotein triglycerides, yielding free fatty acids for uptake by the local tissues. Tissue-specific regulation of LPL activity (LPLA) directs lipoproteintriglyceride-derived free fatty acids to appropriate tissues. Because adipose tissue LPLA (expressed per unit tissue mass) exceeds that of skeletal muscle by three-to tenfold in rat
or mouse
and by one-to fourfold in man,
normal resting conditions in the healthy, fed, sedentary mammals favor fatty acid distribution to adipose tissue for storage.
