The effect of phosphatidyl choline on the degradation of phosphatidyl ethanolamine by the phospholipase of post-heparin plasma or snake venom

Abstract

The degradation of phosphatidyl ethanolamine by human post-heparin plasma phospholipase is not significantly affected by phosphatidyl choline added to the assay system as an aqueous emulsion. However, when the two phospholipids are combined in chloroform–methanol and the solvent is removed prior to their joint emulsification, a marked reduction of phosphatidyl ethanolamine degradation is observed. The extent of this reduction is dependent upon the relative amount of phosphatidyl choline added. The results obtained are interpreted on the basis of a hypothetical complex formation between the two phospholipids.A comparison of the phospholipase activities of post-heparin plasma and Crotalus adamanteus venom reveals both similarities and differences in the behavior of the two enzymes.