Lipoproteins in fluid from non-keratinizing jaw cysts.

Forty-seven cyst fluids and autologous sera were examined for lipoproteins (LP) by cellulose acetate membrane (CAM) electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis and quantitative analyses for beta-lipoprotein and cholesterol. By CAM electrophoresis all cyst fluids showed alpha1-LP and betal-LP bands but no pre-beta-LP band. Four cyst fluids exhibited and additional, well-defined lipid-staining band located within the gamma-globulin zone (post-beta-band). The relative amount of alpha1-LP was higher in cyst fluid than in serum. Single radial immunodiffusion showed that the content of beta-LP was low. On an average, cyst fluid contained more cholesterol than did serum. Some cyst fluids were particularly rich in cholesterol. It is hypothesized that the cholesterol is derived partly from beta-LP originating from plasma.