Triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (TGRLP) were isolated from Cu-deficient and control rats. TGRLP from Cu-deficient rats appeared more fluid than those from controls as sensed by the fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-l-3,5-hexatriene (DPH). This high fluidity was related to alow cholesterol: phospholipid ratio and high triacylglycerol content in these lipoproteins. TGRLP from Cu-deficient rats were more susceptible to in vitro peroxidation than lipoproteins from control rats as shown by the rate of diene conjugation. The damage induced by the peroxidation resulted in a more ordered state of the lipid fraction especially in lipoproteins from Cu-deficient rats. Thus, after in vitro peroxidation, TGRLP from Cu-deficient rats were more rigid than those from controls. These results suggest that Cu deficiency induces modifications in physicochemical properties of TGRLP which could affect their metabolism.
