Acylation of lysoglycerophospholipids by adrenal membranes

1. Substantial differences were found in the acyl donor and lyso-acceptor specificities among subcellular membranes and with respect to different regions of the adrenal gland. 2. In the presence of Mg2+-ATP and CoASH, adrenal microsomes were actively transferring arachidonate to lysophospholipids with acyl acceptor specificity in the order: 1-acyl-GPI greater than 1-acyl-GPC greater than 1-acyl-GP. However, when oleoyl-CoA was used, acyl acceptor specificity for the microsomal transferases was in the order: 1-acyl-GPC greater than 1-acyl-GP greater than 1-acyl-GPI. 3. Mitochondrial membranes had very low acyl transfer activity and they preferred 1-acyl-GPC over other lyso-acceptors. 4. The chromaffin granules were apparently lacking this type of activity.