In vitro Effect of Surface Active Agents on Human Serum Lipoprotein and Protein Patterns.

Summary The effects of incubation of serum with various surface active agents on serum lipids and protein patterns have been studied on electrophoresis and in the ultracentrifuge. Direction of migration of lipid in electrophoresis depends upon the charge of surface active agents. Anionic surface active agents increase migration rate of both alpha and beta lipoproteins toward the anode. Cationic agents either decrease migration rate of lipids toward the anode or cause them to move toward the cathode. Non-ionic agents cause complete loss of mobility of all lipids toward either electrode. These effects could be explained by assuming that surface active agents are bound to lipoproteins and contribute their charge in the migration of these lipoproteins. Effects of surface active agents on protein patterns are less pronounced. Surface active agents either increase or decrease density of serum lipoproteins as studied in the ultracentrifuge suggesting that these agents are bound to lipoproteins. However, prediction of effects of these agents on lipoprotein densities cannot be made from knowledge of the charge present on the agent.