Identification of free ceramide in human erythrocyte membrane.
Free ceramide was characterized in human erythrocytes and ghosts. Its concentration was found to be 5.6 mumol/100 ml of packed cells. It was isolated by thin-layer chromatography of its acetylated form and purified by thin-layer chromatography after deacetylation. It was constituted mainly of C16, C22, C24:0, and C24:1 nonhydroxy fatty acids and of C18:1 sphingosine. A small amount of 2-hydroxy fatty acids was also detected, containing mainly C24:0 hydroxy fatty acid. The structures of the ceramides and identification of the minor bases were confirmed by electron-impact and chemical ionization mass spectra of the trimethylsilylated ceramides.
D002518:Ceramides / Q000032:analysis*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D003124:Colorimetry; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000032:analysis*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000032:analysis; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D005470:Fluorometry; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000032:analysis; D006028:Glycosphingolipids / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D013110:Sphingosine / Q000032:analysis; D014297:Trimethylsilyl Compounds / Q000032:analysis
D002518:Ceramides; D005227:Fatty Acids; D006017:Glycolipids; D006028:Glycosphingolipids; D014297:Trimethylsilyl Compounds; D013110:Sphingosine