Phospholipid Analysis of Cellular Fractions of the Liver Following Administration of Single Dose of Choline.

Abstract

Liver mitochondria, nuclei and microsomes are composed of 16-32% of phospholipids on a dry weight basis. Experiments were undertaken to determine the phospholipid analysis of various cellular fractions of liver following administration of a single dose of choline in an attempt to ascertain the role of these lipids in mitochondria and nuclei. The effect of a single dose of choline on total lipid phosphorus, lecithin P, and cephalin P of mitochondria, nuclei and homogenates of the liver were studied in choline-deficient rats. The administration of single dose of choline 40, 75, and 150 mg significantly increased in 6 hours the total lipid P, and lecithin P concentration of liver mitochondria. A statistically significant increase in total lipid P and lecithin P of liver mitochondria and homogenates occurred in 3, 6, 10 and 18 hours following the administration of a single dose of choline. Diets low in protein reduce the level of total lipid P, lecithin P and cephalin P in liver mitochondria.