Simple assay for monoacylglycerol hydrolase activity of rat adipose tissue

A simple, sensitive, and specific assay for monoacylglycerol hydrolase activity of rat adipose tissue is described. Monoacyl[(3)H]glycerols with different chain lengths (8-18 carbon atoms) and different degrees of unsaturation in mixed micellar solution with different detergents can be used as substrates. The [(3)H]glycerol that is produced is isolated in a one-step liquid-liquid partition procedure. For routine purposes monooleoyl[(3)H]glycerol was found to be the most suitable substrate. A simple method for the chemical synthesis and purification of this substrate in high yield is given. The assay allows rapid serial sampling of enzymatic activity with a high reproducibility.