The action of human high density lipoprotein on cholesterol crystals. Part 1. Light-microscopic observations.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) was found in vitro to form myelin buds (liposomes) from washed crystals of free cholesterol (commercial or atheroma sources). This activity led to the progressive destruction and solubilization of the crystals. Low density and very low density lipoproteins did not have any effect. Liposome formation and solubilization were accelerated by calcium ions, phospholipase A and polyunsaturated lecithin (Lipostabil). Cholesterol crystals were nearly completely destroyed after 18 h incubation with HDL-Lipostabil.