Dolichol and dolichyl phosphate in human tissues.

The content of dolichol and dolichyl phosphate in various human organs was analysed using autopsy samples. The reliability of these measurements was demonstrated by comparison with values for fresh biopsy material. Dolichol was present in all tissues investigated and the content was highest in the adrenal gland, pancreas, pituitary gland, testis and thyroid gland, ranging between 1.5 and 7.1 mg/g tissue. Dolichyl-P was detected in the various organs in highly variable amounts, ranging between 1 and 9% of the total dolichol content. While the main pattern of isoprene composition for dolichol and dolichyl-P was similar in individual organs, some variation was observed between tissues. Dolichol represents the largest lipid component in the pituitary gland, exceeding the total phospholipid content. The high concentrations of dolichol and dolichyl-P in human organs indicate that these lipids may play important roles in physiological and pathological cellular functions.