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receptors, ldl

receptors on the plasma membrane of nonhepatic cells that specifically bind ldl. The receptors are localised in specialised regions called coated pits. Hypercholesteraemia is caused by an allelic genetic defect of three types: 1) receptors do not bind to ldl; 2) there is reduced binding of ldl; and 3) there is normal binding but no internalization of ldl. In consequence, entry of cholesterol esters into the cell is impaired and the intracellular feedback by cholesterol on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coA reductase is lacking.