Application

Cholesterol was used for preparing ISCOMS containing ovalbumin (OVA) for studying whether the incorporation of the protein antigen ovalbumin (OVA) in lipophilic immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMS) induces very strong primary immune responses. It was incorporated in animal feed to study the effect of cholesterol-rich diet.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Cholesterol is a lipid that makes up about 20-25% of the structural components of the cell membranes. It determines the fluidity and permeability of the membrane, making it permeable to water but not to ions and protons. Cholesterol also regulates the functions of the transporters and signaling proteins present on the plasma membrane. The major sites of cholesterol synthesis are small intestine and liver.

Major component of all biological membranes; ~25% of total brain lipid is cholesterol.