Decreased uptake of low density lipoprotein by LLC-PK cells cultured at low magnesium concentration.

LLC-PK cells grown in tissue culture on medium containing normal or deficient amounts of magnesium were presented with 125I-low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the uptake determined. Total LDL uptake by Mg-deficient cells decreased as the magnesium concentration decreased. The receptor binding of LDL and the internalization of LDL by the Mg-deficient cells were reduced. Degradation of LDL by Mg-deficient cells, when corrected for the reduced uptake, was less affected.