Trans-plasma membrane electron transport induces macrophage-mediated low density lipoprotein oxidation

To better understand mechanisms by which arterial cells promote oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL), we investigated a role for the trans-plasma membrane electron transport (TPMET) system (which uses intracellular reductants to reduce extracellular acceptors, e.g., metal ions) of macrophages in cell-mediated LDL oxidation. We had previously shown that catalytic levels of extracellular transition metal ions are essential for cell-mediated oxidation of LDL; we studied how manipulation of TPMET activity of macrophages affects their ability to oxidize LDL in vitro.