Patent ID: 7402404
Filing Date: 2008-07-22
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for determining net cholesterol flux from cholesterol containing cells following exposure to a cholesterol acceptor, comprising the steps of: a) providing detectably labeled cholesterol containing cells; b) determining a first specific activity for said cholesterol containing cells; c) exposing said cholesterol containing cells to a cholesterol acceptor and at least one cholesterol synthesis inhibitor for a period of time sufficient enough to allow cholesterol flux to occur; d) determining cholesterol efflux by measuring the amount of detectably labeled cholesterol in the media; e) measuring the cellular cholesterol mass and determining a second specific activity; f) determining cholesterol influx from the reduction in said second specific activity compared to said first specific activity; and g) comparing said cholesterol efflux to said cholesterol influx, wherein a net cholesterol efflux is present when cholesterol efflux is greater than the cholesterol influx and wherein a net cholesterol influx is present when cholesterol influx is greater than the cholesterol efflux.