Complex phosphoglycerides from rat liver outer mitochondrial membranes

The ethanolic extract from rat liver mitochondrial membranes contains a number of highly polar complex lipids, which are found in the aqueous layer when subjected to the usual chloroform-water partition procedures. Two of these lipids have been purified by thin-layer chromatography, and their structures partially elucidated. Apparently, both are derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol, with a bulky polar head containing sugars and aminoacids. They are specifically located in the outer membrane. Several structures are suggested, as well as a possible functional rôle for these compounds.