Aim This study is to investigate the effects of natural very low density lipoprotein (n-VLDL)subfractions (Apo E-poor VLDL and Apo E-rich VLDL)on triglyceride (TG) and cholesteryl ester (CE) accumulation in mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM).Methods VLDL for subfraction by HeparinSepharose 6B affinity chromatography was obtained from 400 ml of normal human plasma by ultracentrifugation.MPM were incubated with Apo E-poor VDLD or Apo E-rich VLDL at the concentrations of 10～40 mg protein/L DMEM for 24 hours.Results Followed the increased concentrations of VLDL,the accumulation of TG and CE in MPM increased(P<0.05).The TG content in MPM wasmuch higher in Apo E-poor VLDL group than that in Apo E-rich VLDL group (P<0.01). There was little difference in CE content in MPM between both groups (P>0.05).Conclusion These results suggest that both VLDL subfractions can stimulate TG and CE accurnulation in MPM and accelerate the transformation of macrophages into foam cells.