PROTON NUCLEAR-MAGNETIC-RESONANCE LIPID PROFILING OF INTACT PLATELET MEMBRANES

A combination of high-resolution one-dimensional and two-dimensional p roton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods and high pressu re liquid chromatography have been used to analyse qualitatively and q uantitatively the phospholipids, cholesterol and fatty acid compositio n of normal human blood platelets. The major phospholipids present wer e identified and quantified. Information on the nature and composition of the different classes of structural phospholipids and unsaturated fatty acids was obtained and was similar to that reported by others us ing different analytical procedures. This work showed that the proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy approach to lipid analysis cou ld provide rapid, comprehensive and detailed information on the roles of lipids in pathological conditions in which platelets have been impl icated.