Lipoprotein lipase secretion by human monocyte-derived macrophages.

Human monocyte-derived macrophages in culture produced lipoprotein lipase. Although freshly isolated blood monocytes did not secrete much lipase activity, 1 d in culture was sufficient to trigger measureable enzyme production. During 3 wk in culture, maximal activity was attained after 7 d. At all times, the culture medium contained more enzyme activity than did a serum-heparin eluate or a detergent extract of the cell layer. The lipase activity was stimulated by serum and was inhibited by preincubation with antiserum to bovine lipoprotein lipase or when assayed at a high salt concentration. Furthermore, the enzyme bound to a heparin-Sepharose affinity column at physiological ionic strength. Cells cultured from a subject with primary lipoprotein lipase deficiency secreted no detectable enzyme. Since macrophages are prominent components of atherosclerotic lesions in man, their ability to synthesize and secrete lipoprotein lipase may be important to atherogenesis.