What is the general activity of Chylomicrons?
As summarized in Table 5.5, chylomicrons are made by the cells lining our small intestine and transport diet-derived lipids throughout the body. Chylomicron composition reflects our dietary lipid intake; therefore, they contain mostly fat. As chylomicrons circulate they unload most of their fat in fat cells and other cells such as muscle cells, as described previously. Once most of the fat has been removed the chylomicron is much smaller and is recognized and removed from the blood by the liver where it is broken down. Any cholesterol and leftover fat becomes the property of the liver.
Table 5.5. The Most Abundant Lipoproteins
| Lipoprotein Class |
Site of Production (%) |
General Activiy | Fate |
| Chylomicrons | Small Intestine |
Transport dietary fat and cholesterol from digestive tract. Much of the fat is deposited in fat and muscle tissue. |
Chylomicron remnants containing cholesterol and remaining fat are removed from the blood by the liver |
| Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) |
Liver | Delivery of fat and cholesterol from the liver to tissue throughout the body. |
As they circulate the deposit fat become LDL. |
| Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) |
Derived from VLDL in circulation. |
Deposit cholesterol in tissue throughout our body. |
Eventually removed from the blood by the liver and to a lesser degree other tissue. |
| High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) |
Produced by the liver and small intestine. |
Circulate and pick up cholesterol from tissue throughout the body. |
Eventually removed from circulation primarily by the liver |
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