Hexadecylphosphocholine: determination of serum concentrations in rats

A sensitive and quantitative determination of the concentration of hexadecylphosphocholine in serum is described. After HPLC separation, the concentration of hexadecylphosphocholine is determined by phosphate analysis. According to this method, the half-life of hexadecylphosphocholine in serum rats is about 96 h. A steady-state serum concentration of 110 microM is reached after 2 weeks of daily treatment with 10 mg/kg hexadecylphosphocholine. The described method has general application for other compounds with similar structures. For instance, serum levels of alkyllysophosphocholines such as 1-0-octadecyl-2-0-methyl- racglycero-3-phosphocholine can be determined using this method.