Phospholipase A(1) assays using a radiolabeled substrate and mass spectrometry

Although a number of phospholipase A(1)s (PLA(1)s) have been identified in the recent decade, the physiological functions of PLA(1)s remain almost elusive. The major reason for this is the poor availability of assay methods. In many studies, radiolabeled phospholipid substrates have been used to measure PLA(1) activity. This chapter describes the conventional PLA(1) assay using a radiolabeled substrate and a novel PLA(1) assay using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.