Glycerophosphocholines of the earthworm, Pheretima asiatica

The lipid composition of the earthworm, Pheretima asiatica (Annelida), was analyzed. Four glycerophospholipids, together with four known glycosphingolipids, were isolated in pure form. The former four were 1-alkyl 2-acyl glycerophosphocholines possessing a C17:0 and/or C18:1 fatty acid residue. Their structures, including the position and geometry of the double bond, were determined on the bases of chemical and spectral data.