Although macrophages scavenge oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) via specific receptors, the uptake of ox-LDL by endothelial cells is thought to be mediated by a different receptor (LOX-1). We examined the presence of LOX-1 on cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) by RT-PCR, radioligand blot, and binding assays. LOX-1 mRNA and protein were consistently identified in HCAECs. [125I]-ox-LDL binding assay also identified high affinity binding sites for LOX-1 on HCAECs (KD: 1.71 x 10(-8) M: Bmax: 29.7 ng/mg protein). There was no change in LOX-1 expression in HCAECs treated with native-LDL. In contrast, incubation of HCAECs with ox-LDL (10-40 micrograms/ml) increased LOX-1 expression (mRNA and protein). The upregulation of LOX-1 expression appeared to be dependent on ox-LDL concentration. Higher concentration (100 micrograms/ml) however, decreased LOX-1 expression, perhaps related to its cytotoxic effect. These observations indicate that ox-LDL upregulates its own receptor on HCAECs. This phenomenon may explain enhanced uptake of ox-LDL by HCAECs in hyperlipidemia resulting in cellular dysfunction.