Decomposition of molecular types of triglycerides by lipoprotein lipase in man.

1. The lipoprotein triglycerides of human plasma can be separated by gas chromatography according to their carbon number into four main groups: C48, C50, C52 and C54. We studied the decomposition of molecular types of triglycerides by posttheparin lipoprotein lipase in vitro. 2. Decomposition of the molecular type C52 does not depend on its concentration. Decomposition of the molecular types C48, C50 and C54 is in a direct correlation to their concentration. 3. The above mechanism assures stability of the triglyceride profile of human plasma, which is species specific and is expressed by the figures: C48--9%, C50--20%, C52--43%, C54--20%, remainder 8%. 4. The plasma triglyceride profile can be altered by dietetic factors. After drinking cream, the triglyceride composition is: C48--12%, C50--22%, C52--37%, C54--14%, remainder 15%. Selective decomposition of molecular types of triglycerides ensures that the profile, after a given time, returns to the original state.