Alterations in lysophosphatidylcholine levels of canine heart: modes of extraction and storage.

The extraction of lysophosphatidylcholine from canine heart and the storage of lysophosphatidylcholine in total lipid extracts were investigated. The lysolipid was effectively extracted from canine heart by chloroform/methanol (1/2) and the maximum recovery of the lysolipid was 89-92%. Changes in levels of the lysolipid were observed when the tissue was stored at 0 degree C for 60 min or at -20 degrees C for 7 days. An alteration in the lysophosphatidylcholine level was also observed when the lipid extract from the heart was stored in theoretical lower phase (chloroform/methanol/water; 86/14/1). In order to accurately assess the level of lysophosphatidylcholine in the canine heart, the lipid should be extracted immediately from fresh tissue and the lipid extract stored in chloroform/methanol (2/1) or without solvent under nitrogen prior to separation and determination.