Heparin and the removal of triglyceride from the blood stream

This article reviews all the known facts about the mechanism of action of the postheparin lipemia-clearing factor, also termed lipoprotein lipase, in triglyceride lipolysis. This enzyme is normally present in tissues, probably in the capillary walls, and is frequently demonstrable in the plasma. Heparin is probably a component of the enzyme, functioning as a prosthetic group. The available evidence on the physiologic pathways involved in the removal of triglyceride from the bloodstream is discussed. The facts indicate that the reticuloendothelial system does not remove chylomicra. Chylomicra probably enter the liver, but the evidence suggests that this organ does not effect a net removal of triglyceride but probably converts it to lipoproteins. The author believes that the heparinactivated lipolytic enzyme, lipoprotein lipase, is the major pathway for the removal of alimentary and endogenous triglycerides from the blood.