A class of lipoproteins of very light (0.93-1.006 g/ml) large size (30-80 nm) particles with a core composed mainly of TRIGLYCERIDES and a surface monolayer of PHOSPHOLIPIDS and CHOLESTEROL into which are imbedded the apolipoproteins B, E, and C. VLDL facilitates the transport of endogenously made triglycerides to extrahepatic tissues. As triglycerides and Apo C are removed, VLDL is converted to INTERMEDIATE-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS, then to LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS from which cholesterol is delivered to the extrahepatic tissues.
Also Known As:
Lipoproteins, VLDL; Lipoprotein VLDL II; Lipoproteins, VLDL I; Lipoproteins, VLDL III; Lipoproteins, VLDL1; Lipoproteins, VLDL2; Lipoproteins, VLDL3; Pre-beta-Lipoproteins; Lipoprotein, Very-Low-Density; Lipoproteins, Very-Low-Density; Pre beta Lipoprotein; Pre beta Lipoproteins; Prebeta Lipoprotein; Prebeta Lipoproteins; VLDL1 Lipoproteins; VLDL2 Lipoproteins; VLDL3 Lipoproteins; Very Low Density Lipoproteins; Pre-beta-Lipoprotein; Prebeta-Lipoprotein; Prebeta-Lipoproteins; Very Low Density Lipoprotein; Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein; Very-Low-Density Lipoproteins