Medical Condition:
Lipoproteins, Low-Density
A class of lipoproteins responsible for transport of cholesterol to extrahepatic tissues. They are formed in the circulation when very-low-density lipoproteins are degraded first to intermediate-density lipoproteins and then to LDL by the gain and loss of specific apolipoproteins and the loss of most of their triglycerides. LDL are taken up and catabolized by both the liver and extrahepatic tissues by specific receptor-mediated endocytosis. (Dorland, 28th ed)