A completely enzymatic method for the determination of glycerophospholipids in human serum

A simple method is reported for the determination of GPL in serum, requiring small amount of sample and adequate for screening of large population groups. The method is based on the release of glycerol portion of the phospholipid molecule by the combined action of phospholipase C and lipase. The glycerol is then determined by well established methods. The importance of screening of lecithin, that accounts for more than 84% of the glycerophospholipids of serum lipoproteins, is discussed in view of lipoprotein function and structure and in view of interaction between lipoproteins and plasma membranes.