Are there differences in cell membrane cholesterol levels between cell types?

Question

With different cell types, and cell functions, are there distinct levels of cholesterol in each cell type's cell membrane, or do all cell types have a similar amount of cholesterol? I am assuming certain cell types require different levels of cell membrane stability, and as such, different levels of cholesterol in that cell membrane.

Answer 1

You are absolutely correct. The cell type will dictate how much cholesterol is created and used in the plasma membrane.

Answer 2

There is a difference! I attached an article below that has the info, but you're right that different types of cells have different membrane compositions. There is a table in the article showing the different percentages and makeups of each cell's membrane, ranging from 0-25%. This is due to differences in not only stability, as you mentioned, but also binding and interactions with things inside and outside of the cell.

Hope this helps!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26871/