The application of counter-current distribution to the separation of phospholipins

Abstract

The crude glycerophosphatides of ox brain, and crude prepns. of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidyl-serine were partitioned between aqueous ethanol and light petroleum, employing the technic of counter-current distribution. The results suggest a useful degree of separation of phosphatidylcholine from similar lipids containing ethanolamine and serine and of plasmalogen from lipids other than phosphatidylserine. Separation of phosphatidylethanolamine from phosphatidylserine is poor. There is evidence that the plasmalogens are a complex group which may include derivatives with a base other than ethanolamine, as well as a range of aldehydes. The glycerophosphatides containing choline, ethanolamine and serine all show evidence of multiplicity of fatty acid composition. The crude phospholipins of ox brain contain substances not so far classifiable, including choline-containing lipids different from lecithin and sphingomyelin, appreciable amts. of what appear to be wax esters, and gummy lipids of unknown composition.