Simple assay for monoacylglycerol hydrolase activity of rat adipose tissue

Abstract

A simple, sensitive, and specific assay for monoacylglycerol hydrolase activity of rat adipose tissue is described. Monoacyl[3H] 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 [3H]glycerol that is produced is isolated in a one-step liquid–liquid partition procedure. For routine purposes monooleoyl[3H]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.

Keywords

• monooleoyl[3H]glycerol synthesis
• sodium mono[3H]glycerate
• oleoyl chloride